‘smoker’s cough’ a sign of this potentially dangerous condition
- Select a language for the TTS:
- UK English Female
- UK English Male
- US English Female
- US English Male
- Australian Female
- Australian Male
- Language selected: (auto detect) - EN
Play all audios:
Emphysema is when there’s damage to the air sacs in the lungs. It is part of a group of lung conditions - along with chronic bronchitis - under the umbrella term chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD). According to the NHS, COPD is a common condition that usually affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke. In emphysema, it’s when cigarette smoke or other air
pollutants - such as dust or fumes - damage the walls between air sacs over time and beyond repair. COPD affects around 900,000 people in the UK, and there are estimated to be up to two
million people undiagnosed. Problems breathing can get gradually worse over time, but many sufferers don’t realise they have it. While the condition can’t be cured or reversed, it can
normally be kept under control However, in some cases, it can get worse despite treatment and severely impact on a sufferer’s daily activities, and even lead to life-threatening problems.
Those with COPD have an increased risk of pneumonia, COPD heart failure, lung cancer, diabetes, and dementia. The sooner it is caught - before lungs become significantly damaged - the
better. Symptoms may come on slowly or get suddenly worse, known as a flare-up or exacerbation, and you must get it checked out. Your GP can organise a breathing test to rule out other lung
conditions, such as asthma. These are the signs of COPD, and therefore possibly emphysema, you shouldn’t ignore. BREATHLESSNESS You might particularly notice this when you’re active.