What is emphysema and what are its symptoms amid surge in respiratory illnesses

Respiratory illnesses have been on the rise in the UK this winter. Colds, flu and HMPV have been rampaging across the country, thriving in the cold weather.

Emphysema is a chronic condition that affects millions of people globally. This lung condition can make everyday activities extremely difficult, such as walking, talking, and even breathing.

Understanding the condition is vital to protect your lung health, especially during the winter months. If you or someone you know is living with the condition, or if you're curious to find out more, here's everything you need to know about emphysema.

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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 Emma Rubach, head of health advice at Asthma + Lung UK.

“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?

Although it's a common condition, many people haven't heard of it or are unaware of exactly what it is. Rubach says: “COPD affects 1.7million people in this country, although around 600,000 are believed to be living with the condition but don’t have a diagnosis. 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,” says 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. Rubach advises: “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."

Who is more likely to be affected?

If you smoke, quitting smoking is one of the best way to prevent 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.”

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