Most smokers suffer from the dangerous form of lung disease, emphysema. Basically, in this condition lungs start to deteriorate and looses elasticity eventually. Finally, they cease the most vital function of the body, breathing. When this disease affects the person, the alveoli at the end of the tiny air passages are subjected to destruction gradually. As emphysema progresses, spherical air sacs in lungs take large and irregular packets with gaping holes in the inner walls. Because of this, some oxygen that enter lungs does not reach blood stream, as the number of air sacs reduce. This makes difficulty for a person while exhaling.
Emphysema is caused due to two main causes: Protein deficiency and smoking. Spirometry test is done by the health care providers to determine or diagnose the various stages of emphysema. This is a painless test and most sensitive because it detects the condition before the occurrence of any symptoms. Mild emphysema and at risk comes under the initial stages of emphysema. In the advanced stage, these are followed by severe and moderate emphysema. Following gives information about the stages of emphysema and also other information regarding the disease.
Stages of Emphysema:
- At Risk: This is known as the initial stage of emphysema. At this stage, breathing test will be normal. Person suffering from the symptoms that are mild by nature, like low grade or moderate cough and phlegm or sputum production.
- Mild Emphysema: This is characterized by the limitation of mild air flow. Symptoms of this stage are similar to first stage, that is, production of sputum and cough. At this stage, frequency these symptoms increase. At this stage, the person is unaware that airflow in the lungs is getting reduced.
- Moderate Emphysema: In this stage, limitation of airflow condition worsens that occurred in the previous stage. Phlegm production and coughing increases in the severity and frequency, during this stage. Moreover, person affected with emphysema may feel breathing difficulty. However, there might absence of shortness of breath, till any activity, like working hard, brisk walk and other strenuous activity, triggers the condition.
- Severe Emphysema: This is final stage and the conditions take severe form. Limitation of airflow and difficulty in breathing become worst. A simple walk may also leave the person gasping for breath. Heart failure or respiratory failure have very high possibilities along with the development of the condition. Usually, this is known as the end stage of the emphysema because the patient’s life is at great risk and every second become life-threatening.
