Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDifferencesCuasesOn X-RayTreatmentCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Differences
Cuases
On X-Ray
Treatment
Coping
In this article, we’ll go over how emphysema is related to COPD and how it differs from other types of COPD. We’ll also discuss common causes of emphysema and COPD, coping tips, treatment options, and more.
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How Emphysema and COPD Differ
Many people aren’t sure of the relationship between emphysema and COPD and wonder which one is “worse.” Actually, emphysema is one of the two main types ofchronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The other is chronic bronchitis. Most people with COPD have both conditions at the same time, but some people only have one or the other.
In many ways, chronic bronchitis and emphysema are more similar than they are different. Both are often, but not always, related to smoking. They have many overlapping symptoms. such as coughing and wheezing, and tend to progress (get worse) over time.
However, chronic bronchitis affects the airways in the lungs, while emphysema affects the air sacs. Also, chronic bronchitis is more likely to cause excess mucus production.The main symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath.
Emphysema vs. COPD vs. AsthmaSometimes, differentiating between types of COPD—such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis—and asthma is difficult. Here are a few key similarities and differences:Emphysema, asthma, and chronic bronchitis can cause wheezing, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.Chronic bronchitis may also cause a phlegm-producing cough, especially in the morning just after waking up.Asthma is also associated with nighttime wheezing and coughing attacks, skin reactions like eczema, sneezing, and allergic rhinitis (also known as hay fever).
Emphysema vs. COPD vs. Asthma
Sometimes, differentiating between types of COPD—such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis—and asthma is difficult. Here are a few key similarities and differences:Emphysema, asthma, and chronic bronchitis can cause wheezing, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.Chronic bronchitis may also cause a phlegm-producing cough, especially in the morning just after waking up.Asthma is also associated with nighttime wheezing and coughing attacks, skin reactions like eczema, sneezing, and allergic rhinitis (also known as hay fever).
Sometimes, differentiating between types of COPD—such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis—and asthma is difficult. Here are a few key similarities and differences:
Symptom Onset and Progression
There are four stages of COPD, including emphysema. Each one is progressively more severe than the last. You will notice different symptoms in each stage, as follows:
COPD Without Emphysema
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease refers to a group of similar lung disorders, the most common of which are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Research suggests that most people with COPD have both conditions to some degree.
Still, there are some demographic differences between the two types of COPD. According to the American Lung Association, about 3.6% of adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. The condition is more common in women than in men.
Meanwhile, emphysema seems somewhat less common. Approximately 1.6% of American adults have been diagnosed with emphysema. The condition is more common among men than women. Both chronic bronchitis and emphysema are more common in older adults, especially people over 65 years old.
Is One Worse?
COPD is associated with highmorbidity and mortality, representing one of the top 10 causes of death among American adults. Many people understandably wonder whether emphysema is associated with higher risks than other types of COPD.
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis have similar symptoms, treatment approaches, and prognoses.What’s more, you are more likely to develop chronic bronchitis if you already have severe emphysema and vice versa. People with symptoms of both emphysema and chronic bronchitis have significantly worse outcomes on average after receiving lung surgery than people who only have one type of COPD.
Causes of Emphysema vs. COPD
In up to 75% of cases, the cause of emphysema and COPD is smoking. However, nonsmokers can also develop emphysema. Some examples of other risk factors for emphysema include:
Emphysema and COPD on X-Ray
Because emphysema is a lung condition, you might think a chestX-raycan diagnose it. However, that’s not the case. A chest X-ray may show some signs of COPD, such as lung changes, and rule out other possible explanations for your symptoms.
To diagnose you with COPD, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history, including risk factors such as your exposure to smoke and pollution. They may also perform a variety of tests, such as:
Treatment for Emphysema and COPD
COPD, including emphysema, can’t be cured. Treatment for emphysema and COPD typically involves quitting smoking and steering clear of secondhand smoke, as well as:
Quitting SmokingIf you’re ready to quit smoking, help is available. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to stop smoking, including making a plan to quit and managing withdrawal symptoms. They may also prescribe medication to make it easier for you to quit. There are also several free smoking cessation resources available in the United States. Consider:Calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)Texting QUITNOW to 333888Using the quitSTARTapp
Quitting Smoking
If you’re ready to quit smoking, help is available. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to stop smoking, including making a plan to quit and managing withdrawal symptoms. They may also prescribe medication to make it easier for you to quit. There are also several free smoking cessation resources available in the United States. Consider:Calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)Texting QUITNOW to 333888Using the quitSTARTapp
If you’re ready to quit smoking, help is available. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to stop smoking, including making a plan to quit and managing withdrawal symptoms. They may also prescribe medication to make it easier for you to quit. There are also several free smoking cessation resources available in the United States. Consider:
How to Cope With Emphysema and COPD
You can take steps to manage your symptoms of emphysema and COPD, such as:
Summary
Warning symptoms of emphysema typically include tightness in the chest, chronic cough, whistling sounds while breathing, and difficulty taking a full, deep breath. Like other kinds of COPD, emphysema is progressive, meaning it usually gets worse with time.
If you think you may have emphysema or another kind of COPD, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options. They can help you develop an action plan and prescribe medications and other forms of therapy as needed.
17 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Lung Association.Emphysema.MedlinePlus.Emphysema.MedlinePlus.COPD.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.What is COPD?MedlinePlus.Chronic bronchitis.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Asthma and COPD: differences and similarities.National Emphysema Foundation.The four stages of COPD.American Lung Association.COPD trends brief: prevalence.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About COPD.Kim V, Criner GJ.Chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2013;187(3):228-37. doi:10.1164/rccm.201210-1843CIAmerican Lung Association.COPD causes and risk factors.American Lung Association.Diagnosing COPD.American Lung Association.Treating COPD.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to quit smoking.American Lung Association.COPD action plan & management tools.American Lung Association.Conserving energy and managing your daily activities.American Lung Association.Nutrition and COPD.
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Lung Association.Emphysema.MedlinePlus.Emphysema.MedlinePlus.COPD.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.What is COPD?MedlinePlus.Chronic bronchitis.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Asthma and COPD: differences and similarities.National Emphysema Foundation.The four stages of COPD.American Lung Association.COPD trends brief: prevalence.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About COPD.Kim V, Criner GJ.Chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2013;187(3):228-37. doi:10.1164/rccm.201210-1843CIAmerican Lung Association.COPD causes and risk factors.American Lung Association.Diagnosing COPD.American Lung Association.Treating COPD.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to quit smoking.American Lung Association.COPD action plan & management tools.American Lung Association.Conserving energy and managing your daily activities.American Lung Association.Nutrition and COPD.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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American Lung Association.Nutrition and COPD.
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