What are the Four Stages of Emphysema?
Emphysema, which is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a lung condition that is characterized by a loss of elasticity in the lung tissue and causes complications and difficulties in breathing. The disease attacks the alveoli, small air sacs in the lungs that are used to move oxygen from the air and into the blood. When these become damaged, the lungs lose their elasticity and each breath becomes labored. Most people suffering from emphysema are current or former smokers or were exposed to air toxins that caused damage to their lungs. Emphysema is generally classified into four distinct stages, which are determined by a doctor. The stages of emphysema are at-risk, mild emphysema, moderate emphysema, and severe emphysema. Treatment options are varied, and usually depend on which stage of emphysema the patient is in. Following are details on the four stages of emphysema: • At-risk – People in the at-risk stage of emphysema usually suffer from a chronic cough, short
