Risk factors
... The single greatest risk factor for emphysema is smoking. Emphysema is most likely to develop in cigarette smokers, but cigar and pipe smokers also are susceptible, and the risk for all types of smoke...

When to seek medical advice
... See your doctor if any of the following apply to you: You feel short of breath most of the time. You can''t breathe well enough to tolerate even moderate exercise. You frequently cough up sputum that'...

Screening and diagnosis
... To determine if you have emphysema, your doctor is likely to recommend certain tests, including: Pulmonary function tests (PFTs). These noninvasive tests can detect emphysema before you have symptoms....

Signs and symptoms
... The main symptoms of emphysema are shortness of breath and a reduced capacity for physical activity, both of which are likely to become worse as the disease progresses. In time, you may have trouble b...

Signs and symptoms
... The main symptoms of emphysema are shortness of breath and a reduced capacity for physical activity, both of which are likely to become worse as the disease progresses. In time, you may have trouble b...

Signs and symptoms
... The main symptoms of emphysema are shortness of breath and a reduced capacity for physical activity, both of which are likely to become worse as the disease progresses. In time, you may have trouble b...

Signs and symptoms
... The main symptoms of emphysema are shortness of breath and a reduced capacity for physical activity, both of which are likely to become worse as the disease progresses. In time, you may have trouble b...

Signs and symptoms
... The main symptoms of emphysema are shortness of breath and a reduced capacity for physical activity, both of which are likely to become worse as the disease progresses. In time, you may have trouble b...

Signs and symptoms
... The main symptoms of emphysema are shortness of breath and a reduced capacity for physical activity, both of which are likely to become worse as the disease progresses. In time, you may have trouble b...

Signs and symptoms
... The main symptoms of emphysema are shortness of breath and a reduced capacity for physical activity, both of which are likely to become worse as the disease progresses. In time, you may have trouble b...

Signs and symptoms
... The main symptoms of emphysema are shortness of breath and a reduced capacity for physical activity, both of which are likely to become worse as the disease progresses. In time, you may have trouble b...

Signs and symptoms
... The main symptoms of emphysema are shortness of breath and a reduced capacity for physical activity, both of which are likely to become worse as the disease progresses. In time, you may have trouble b...

Signs and symptoms
... The main symptoms of emphysema are shortness of breath and a reduced capacity for physical activity, both of which are likely to become worse as the disease progresses. In time, you may have trouble b...

Signs and symptoms
... The main symptoms of emphysema are shortness of breath and a reduced capacity for physical activity, both of which are likely to become worse as the disease progresses. In time, you may have trouble b...

Signs and symptoms
... The main symptoms of emphysema are shortness of breath and a reduced capacity for physical activity, both of which are likely to become worse as the disease progresses. In time, you may have trouble b...

Signs and symptoms
... The main symptoms of emphysema are shortness of breath and a reduced capacity for physical activity, both of which are likely to become worse as the disease progresses. In time, you may have trouble b...