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Step 1
Take note of a recurring shortness of breath, the primary symptom of emphysema, during routine physical activity. It will also be harder to breathe when suffering from mild respiratory infections like the flu or a cold.
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Step 2
Give thought to how often you feel tired and worn out. Your body is getting less oxygen and working harder to breathe. It may also be hard to breathe lying down resulting in a poor night's sleep. These factors together create chronic fatigue, another key symptom of emphysema.
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Step 3
Watch for weight loss due to lack of appetite. When you eat, your stomach expands and pushes on your diaphragm. This compresses the lungs making it difficult to breathe, so you begin to lose interest in eating.
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Step 4
Be alert to a chronic mild cough that's unproductive. Though coughing isn't always present with emphysema, when it does occur it's generally nonproductive, meaning you won't bring up much phlegm.
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Step 5
Recognize that there's a difference in being out of shape and not being able to catch your breath during routine activities. See your doctor as soon as you suspect something is wrong.
