Emphysema is a condition in which there is over-inflation of structures in the lungs known as alveoli or air sacs. This over-inflation results from a breakdown of the walls of the alveoli, which causes a decrease in respiratory function and breathlessness.

With emphysema the lungs lose elasticity and are unable to fully expand and contract. This occurs because the air sacs cannot completely deflate, and therefore are unable to fill with fresh air for adequate ventilation. Emphysema in children is usually caused by congenital abnormalities of the lung and by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Emphysema patients can breathe in, but breathing out is difficult and inefficient. The seriousness of emphysema varies greatly. Some people never reach a stage of incapacity and go through life with relatively litte inconvenience, while in others, emphysema worsens until final degeneration of the ability to breathe occurs.

 Emphysema Symptoms

Shortness of breath is the most common symptom of emphysema. Coughing, sometimes caused by the production of mucus, and wheezing may also be symptoms of emphysema. You may notice that your tolerance for exercise decreases over time. Emphysema usually develops slowly. You may not have any acute episodes of shortness of breath. Slow deterioration is the rule, and it may go unnoticed. This is especially the case if you are a smoker or have other medical problems that limit your ability to exercise.

One of the hallmark signs of emphysema is "purse-lipped breathing." The person with emphysema is struggling to exhale completely, with airways that close when the chest wall collapses during expiration. They purse their lips, leaving only a small opening. Then when they exhale, the lips block the flow of air, increasing pressure in the collapsed airways and forcing them open, allowing the person to fully exhale.

People with emphysema may develop a "barrel chest," where the distance from the chest to the back, which is normally less than the distance side to side, becomes pronounced. This is a direct result of air becoming trapped behind obstructed airways.