Emphysema - Symptoms

A person with emphysema has to breathe harder to take in more oxygen. He or she is often short of breath and may have to gasp for air. Patients often develop a chronic (long-lasting) mild cough and may begin to lose weight.

These conditions gradually become worse over time. At first, a person may notice shortness of breath only when exercising. Later, even a mild exertion may cause breathing problems. Eventually, the person has trouble breathing even when sitting quietly.

Emphysema often leads to other problems of the pulmonary (lung) system. These problems include pneumonia (see pneumonia entry), pulmonary

hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs), and chronic respiratory failure.