Emphysema: Clinical Features

Alveoli show effects of emphysema

  • Hyper-inflated Chest
  • Pursed lip breathing this creates Positive End-Expiratory Pressure or (PEEP) which helps to keep airways open.
  • Severe dyspnoea (breathlessness)
  • DLCO (diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide) test reduced. This respiratory function test shows the extent to which oxygen passes from the air sacs of the lungs into the blood also known as transfer factor for carbon monoxide or TLCO (transfer factor for carbon monoxide).