What is the difference between COPD and emphysema?

The difference between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema is that COPD is an umbrella term that denotes a collection of chronic respiratory diseases that includes emphysema, along with other conditions such as chronic bronchitis and asthma. In this respect, the difference in both lies is primarily in definition and mortality. Patients of COPD deal with countless diseases and therefore have higher mortality than those suffering only by emphysema. In order to diagnose either COPD or emphysema, the patient's lungs must be permanently damaged, preventing adequate oxygen in circulation throughout the body.

The most important symptom of COPD and emphysema is the inability to breathe properly. If the involvement is only caused by damage to alveolar bags in the lungs, the patient is most often due to the diagnosis of emphysema. If, on the other hand, this symptom is impaired by bronchitis, which is irritation of bronchiols or asthma is usually given a diagnosis of COPD. COPN and EMonymous are most often caused by inhalationFirst-hand tobacco smoke, although some bullous lung diseases, cystic fibrosis and deficiencies against alpha-1 antitrypsin were also involved in both conditions. Individuals who have chronic asthma, especially since childhood, are often exposed to the risk of emphysema development and after smoking tobacco.

The first sign of the COPD and the emphysema is extremely shortness of breath after the exertion. This symptom deteriorates and more pronounced, as the disease progresses until the patient gets breath away. Chronic bronchitis, another prerequisite for the diagnosis of COPD, is diagnosed when chronic cough is present, excess mucus and sometimes cyanosis - a bluish shade on the skin -. The gradual loss of lungunction, as characterized by these general symptoms, are diagnostic criteria on which the diagnosis of COPD is made. If a close member of the family has this disease, the diagnosis may be made earlier because the research pointsto the probable genetic link to the above respiratory disease.

COPD and emphysema can be quantified using laboratory testing. The most common test is the lung test, called spirometry. The test is performed by blowing into the machine that can determine the specific lung capacity. This non -invasive test is usually the first procedure when it is suspected of respiratory pathogenesis. To make a definitive diagnosis, the physician can perform X -rays or other lung scanning to look for damaged tissue.