Emphysema vs COPD: Which is More Serious?

When most people think of a serious respiratory illness, they think of emphysema. Yet emphysema is only one of the diseases that comprise COPD. COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease affects more than 15 million Americans compared to the 3 million Americans impacted by emphysema.1 Let's dive into both COPD and emphysema and the main differences between the two. 

• Emphysema is a form of COPD
• So, a person with emphysema technically has COPD
• The severity of both illnesses s is different from person to person

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that blocks airflow from the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. The constriction of the airways from this disease results in difficulty breathing or an uncomfortable breathing experience. The most common conditions that contribute to COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Both of these illnesses can be severe depending on the individual and typically occur together.

COPD is a very common condition that affects millions of people per year. Symptoms of COPD include breathing difficulty, cough, mucus production, and wheezing. Reduced breathing capacity also impairs physical performance and ability for most COPD patients.  

Emphysema is a lung disease that develops over time and involves the gradual damage of lung tissue, specifically the destruction of the alveoli or air sacs in the lungs. Emphysema causes the lungs to be damaged. Reduction in the lung surface area traps air in the damaged tissue and prevents oxygen from moving through the bloodstream. This blockage causes the lungs to slowly overfill and makes breathing increasingly more difficult. The difficulty breathing results in someone having feelings of shortness of breath, fatigue, and other negative impacts.

There are many symptoms of emphysema that can vary from person to person. Here are some of the main symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Reduced circulation turning fingernails and lips blue/gray
• Impacts mental alertness
• Frequent coughing and/or wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Whistling sound while breathing

• Lifestyle factors: Smoking cigarettes or being exposed to smokey air can contribute to the onset of COPD. 
• Environmental factors: Exposure to other air pollutants, like chemicals, dust, and others can also contribute to developing COPD and/or emphysema. 
• Genetic factors: An inherited disease that is very rare, called alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) is a genetic type of emphysema. 

COPD describes a larger group of lung diseases that includes emphysema. Chronic bronchitis and chronic asthma also fall under the COPD classification. A person who is diagnosed with emphysema has COPD, but a person with COPD may not have emphysema as COPD consists of many types of lung illnesses.  

Because emphysema is one of many types of lung conditions under the COPD classification, it can often be compounded by other lung issues. Someone diagnosed with COPD may in fact suffer from emphysema as well as chronic bronchitis and asthma.  

• Can cause lung disease and cancer
• Increases risk of a stroke
• Increases risk of COPD
• Increases risk of tuberculosis

• Irritates the tissue
• Damages the lining
• Lose their ability to properly recoil
• If permanently stretched out or damaged, the lungs will have trouble breathing

Medical treatments could be both inhaled or oral medications. Some medical treatment options are: 

• Bronchodilators: typically the first treatment used, as they make breathing more effortless through the use of an inhalers
• Steroids: help to control lung and airway inflammation. They can be prescribed by a doctor to lessen symptoms and effects. 
• Antibiotics: used to treat lung infections and other bacterial infections like bronchitis or pneumonia.

During rehabilitation, patients can learn new ways to improve their breathing, and as a result, will be able to properly exercise and improve their overal quality of life. 

• Eat 20-30 grams of fiber per day
• Eat protein with at least two meals per day
• Avoid fried and salty foods

Oxygen therapy is one of the primary treatments for a range of COPD lung conditions. While it helps improves the symptoms of COPD, it can also aid in helping those who have COVID-19, emphysema, and other respiratory illnesses as well. Because respiration has been compromised, oxygen tanks or oxygen concentrators are used to assist a patient with normal breathing.  The supplemental oxygen that oxygen therapy provides can help users feel better and live a more active life. People could use oxygen therapy for a temporary treatment or they may use it for life. 

Although a healthy lifestyle does not cure COPD, it can aid in lessening the symptoms. Here are some tips to live a healthier life:

• Exercise daily
• Eat enough protein per day
• Eat enough fruits and vegetables per day
• Avoid smoking and excessive drinking 

If you are managing any COPD lung conditions and need equipment for oxygen therapy, you can find oxygen concentrators at The Oxygen Concentrator Supplies Shop. Our knowledgeable staff will help you select the proper equipment for your oxygen therapy prescription. For any questions or assistance ordering, call us at 888-941-1688 today! 

1. American Lung Association. Key Facts about Emphysema