Emphysema is a chronic lung condition that affects millions of people worldwide and can make everyday activities such as walking, talking, and even breathing, feel like a challenge.
Whether you’re living with emphysema or want to learn how to protect your lungs, understanding the condition is key to managing symptoms and living well.
We’ve spoken to Emma Rubach, head of health advice at Asthma + Lung UK, who has broken down what emphysema is, what signs to look out for, and how it can be treated.
What is emphysema?
“Emphysema is part of a group of lung conditions which comes under the umbrella term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and also includes chronic bronchitis,” explains Rubach. “Emphysema makes it hard to breathe air out of your lungs as it affects the tiny air sacs at the end of the airways where oxygen is taken up into the bloodstream.
“The walls of these air sacs become weak, and the lungs become baggy and full of bigger holes. This traps air and makes it harder to breathe.”
How common is it?
Despite being a common disease, many people are unaware of exactly what it is.
“COPD affects 1.7 million people in this country, although around 600,000 are believed to be living with the condition but don’t have a diagnosis,” says Rubach. “Lung disease is the third biggest cause of death in the UK, and every year up to 30,000 people die from COPD.
“Although COPD is a relatively common disease, public awareness is limited. In a online survey by Asthma + Lung UK [which ran from January to March 2023 and received 14, 460 responses], 44 per cent of respondents admitted they hadn’t heard of COPD until they received their diagnosis.
“There is a misconception that experiencing constant breathlessness is a typical part of getting older when this is not the case.”
What are the symptoms?
“Typical symptoms of the condition include getting short of breath easily when you do everyday things such as going for a walk or doing housework, having a cough that lasts a long time or goes away and comes back, wheezing and coughing up phlegm,” highlights Rubach. “When the symptoms of COPD become worse, this is known as an exacerbation or ‘flare up’ and will require extra treatment and sometimes a hospital admission.”
When should you seek medical advice about this?
“If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, it is important to see your GP who might decide to refer you for a spirometry (a breathing test used to diagnose COPD),” says Rubach. “If you do receive a diagnosis, it is possible to live well with COPD although it’s important to remain active, if possible, and to eat a balanced diet.”
Keeping up to date with vaccinations also can reduce the risk of developing serious complications.
“You should make sure you have an annual flu jab as well as the pneumococcal vaccine, Covid-19 vaccine and if you are eligible, the RSV vaccine,” advises Rubach.
Who is more likely to be affected?
If you smoke, stopping smoking is one of the best way to prevent your COPD from getting worse.
“The biggest risk factor for COPD is smoking, with figures showing that nine out of ten people with a diagnosis of the condition in this country either smoke or have a history of smoking,” highlights Rubach. “But COPD can also be caused by exposure to certain types of dust, fumes and chemicals in the workplace, and air pollution.
“People who have had chest problems as a child are also at a higher risk of developing the condition. Your genetics can also increase your risk.”
How is it treated?
“In COPD, the airways are permanently narrowed (unlike asthma where the airways narrow in response to a trigger) and inhaled medication might help if COPD affects your breathing,” says Rubach. “Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a six-week breathing and lifestyle programme, which can help people with COPD to get active and have a better quality of life.
“In more severe cases, oxygen therapy and even a lung transplant might be considered.”
For more information about COPD, visit www.asthmandlung.org.uk or call the charity’s helpline on 0300 222 5800 (Monday-Friday, 9.15am-5pm).
