How does emphysema progress?
Emphysema is characterized by destruction of normal lung tissue. It can also be known as chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and there can be a component of chronic bronchitis. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue and cough. If the person continues to smoke cigarettes, then there will be progressive destruction of the lung tissue leading to worsening shortness of breath and eventually lead to low oxygen levels in the blood requiring supplemental oxygen. If the person stops smoking then the destruction will slow down and their symptoms will progress more slowly or maybe not at all. There are many treatments out there for COPD, but they are not very effective. Only two things have been shown to prolong life in a patient with COPD; quitting smoking and using supplemental oxygen if appropriate. The need for supplemental oxygen is determined by measuring the oxygen (pulse ox) at rest and with activities. Patients with COPD can have exacerbations in which their symptoms worsen,
