What is the difference between emphysema and COPD?
The main difference between emphysema and COPD is that emphysema is a progressive lung disease caused by over-inflation of the alveoli (air sacs in the lungs), and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is an umbrella term used to describe a group of lung conditions (emphysema is one of them) which are characterized by increasing breathlessness. A person with emphysema has COPD; however, not everybody with COPD has emphysema.
What is emphysema?
Emphysema is one of the lung conditions included in the term COPD. Normal lung tissue resembles a sponge; however, the lungs of people with emphysema look like an old used sponge, with large holes in them and a limited ability to “spring-back” into shape.
Emphysema is a progressive disease, that usually starts slowly with small holes between the alveoli, which eventually collapse to form larger air spaces. Old air gets trapped in these air spaces, which makes it difficult for people to inhale fresh air. Blood flow through the alveoli is also impaired meaning that people with emphysema not only struggle to breathe but have trouble receiving enough oxygen.
Cigarette smoking is by far the biggest cause of emphysema, but also the most preventable. Emphysema is more common with age and in males, and it tends to run in families. Other causes include air pollution, airway reactivity, and a deficiency of alpha-1-antitrypsin.
Treatment is with bronchodilator inhalers, which help to open up the airways, corticosteroids to relieve inflammation, and oxygen therapy. Antibiotics are usually also needed regularly as people with emphysema are prone to infections.
Related questions
- Can a cold or bronchitis turn into pneumonia? How can you tell?
- What antibiotics are used to treat bronchitis?
- What is Fluimucil used for? Uses, Side Effects, & Dosage
What is COPD?
COPD is an umbrella term for three lung conditions that damage the lungs, impair airflow, and make breathing progressively more difficult over time. The three conditions are emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. COPD is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and rates appear to be increasing.
Emphysema is explained above. In chronic bronchitis, the lining of the airways is irritated and inflamed and thickens with mucus. Coughing is frequent and breathing becomes difficult.
In refractory asthma, a severe form of asthma, the airways swell, become narrow and produce extra mucus. Symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness are present most of the time and asthma attacks that do not respond to treatment are frequent. Aggressive treatment, including corticosteroids, is required.
Symptoms of COPD typically include breathlessness, difficulty breathing, increased phlegm, and chest tightness. COPD cannot be cured; however, treatments can improve symptoms and prevent further damage.
Read next
How long does azithromycin stay in your system?
Azithromycin will be in your system for around 15.5 days, after the last dose. Azithromycin has an elimination half-life of 68 hours. The prolonged terminal half-life is thought to be due to extensive uptake and subsequent release of drug from tissues. It takes around 5.5 x elimination half life's for a medicine to be out of your system. Continue reading
Does Mucinex help with Covid?
Mucinex products do not help to prevent or treat the COVID-19 virus itself, but might help relieve some of the symptoms of COVID, like chest congestion, cough, or headache. Select a product that targets only the symptoms you have. Continue reading
Does Bactrim cause headaches?
Headache is a common side effect with Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) and may occur in up to 10% of patients. Low blood sugar, low sodium blood levels and rarely, aseptic meningitis are other side effects of Bactrim that may lead to a headache.
Continue readingSee also:
Related medical questions
- Bronchitis vs Pneumonia - What's the difference between them?
- Smart use of Antibiotics
- What is the normal oxygen level for someone with COPD?
- What is the life expectancy of someone with COPD?
- Is Symbicort a steroid inhaler?
- What foods should be avoided with COPD?
- What are the 4 stages of COPD?
- Can severe asthma lead to COPD?
- Prednisone: What are 12 Things You Should Know?
- Why do you not give oxygen to COPD patients?
- Can vitamin C prevent or treat COVID-19 (coronavirus)?
- How long can you be on Symbicort?
- How fast does Dupixent work?
- What is the difference between Breztri vs Trelegy?
- What does Symbicort do to the lungs?
- Why does Dupixent cause eye problems?
- How often can I use my Symbicort inhaler?
- Trelegy vs. Breo: How does their use and cost compare?
- Symbicort vs. Advair: How do they compare?
- Does Dupixent cause weight gain?
- Is Dupixent an immunosuppressant?
- How long can Dupixent stay out of the fridge?
- How long does it take for Symbicort to work?
- Trelegy vs Anoro: Which is better?
- Why do insurance companies deny Dupixent?
- When should you use Symbicort?
- How does the Dupixent Myway copay card work?
- How does Dupixent work and what is its mechanism of action?
- Can you drink alcohol on Dupixent?
- How effective is Dupixent for COPD?
Related support groups
- Bronchitis (54 questions, 137 members)
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (137 questions, 492 members)