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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, shortness of breath, and mucus production. Many people will visit their doctors due to these symptoms, but there are even times when the tests will come back normal and the doctor won't have any definitive results pointing to emphysema.
• Mild emphysema - Mild emphysema is characterized by the same symptoms as those in the at-risk stage. However, when a breathing test is administered this time, the results may show limited airflow.
• Moderate emphysema - This is the stage most people are in when they seek medical attention for their symptoms. By this point, symptoms have degraded to the point that the person is visibly winded during moderate activities, like walking fast or working hard. Breathing tests show a worsening condition during this stage.
• Severe emphysema - Severe emphysema can be critical. At this stage, breathing is severely limited, and patients may find themselves out of breath during most activities. People with severe emphysema are at high risk for developing complications such as respiratory failure or heart failure.

To determine which stage an emphysema-sufferer is in, most doctors will perform an exam and run tests to determine the presence and severity of the disease. Doctors will check the chest and monitor breathing patterns and will also listen to the lungs and heart with a stethoscope. A patient's background also plays an important role in the diagnosis, and most doctors will ask specific questions about symptoms, occupational history, and whether or not the patient is or ever was a smoker.

Tests are also usually administered, with the most common one being spirometry. During this test, the patient is asked to blow into a tube that is connected to a machine that determines airflow and capacity. Other tests include arterial blood gas (ABG), pulse oximetry, and x-rays. Once your doctor has the test results, he or she can determine whether or not emphysema is present and, if so, at which stage it is in. There are several treatment options for emphysema sufferers, including medications, surgery, pulmonary rehabilitation, and oxygen therapy.