Emphysema is a long-term (chronic) lung disease that usually gets worse over time. It's a form of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). According to the American Lung Association, close to 5 million Americans have emphysema. Take this quiz to see what you know about this disease.
1. Cigarette smoking is the usual cause of emphysema.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Cigarette smoking is the cause in about 9 in 10 people with emphysema. A smoker is 10 times more likely to die from COPD than a nonsmoker. Scientists believe that other factors are involved in the disease, because only 3 in 20 to 1 in 5 smokers develop emphysema. Other factors that may contribute to emphysema include air pollution, fumes, and dust in the workplace.
2. The main symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
At first, shortness of breath occurs during activity. As the disease gets worse, the person has shortness of breath all the time.
3. In emphysema, shortness of breath is caused by permanent damage to the small air sacs (alveoli) and small airways in the lungs.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
In emphysema, the tiny, elastic air sacs of the lung (alveoli) are permanently damaged. The smallest air passages (bronchioles) are also damaged. Air continues to get into alveoli when the lungs expand during inhalation, but it is trapped when the person exhales. The passageways then become plugged with mucus.
4. Lung function is the ability to move air into and out of the lungs. This declines as you get older.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
The decline is so gradual in healthy nonsmokers that you won't notice it. But the decline in smokers is rapid and can be noticed. If a smoker quits before emphysema develops, the decline levels off until it is nearly normal for the person's age.
5. Emphysema affects only the lungs.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Emphysema and other forms of COPD make the heart work harder. People with emphysema get tired easily. They may have chest pains and feel their heart beat rapidly (palpitations). Low oxygen levels also affect the brain, causing headaches, sleep problems, and irritability.
6. Swelling of the ankles can be caused by problems linked to emphysema.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
A person with emphysema or other forms of COPD may have an enlarged heart because of damaged lungs. He or she may develop swelling of the ankles, legs, and belly (abdomen). Because of poor oxygen supply, he or she may have a bluish tinge to skin, lips, and nails.
7. If you have emphysema, your healthcare provider will usually advise you to get a yearly flu shot.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
You should get a yearly flu shot. Also talk with your healthcare provider about the pneumonia vaccine. Complications of the flu and pneumonia can be very serious and even fatal in a person with COPD.
8. Emphysema is only diagnosed with a chest X-ray.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
A chest X-ray can show changes that suggest emphysema, but it is not used to diagnose this disease. Instead, your healthcare provider will give you a physical exam and ask you questions about your health history. He or she will also use other tests such as lung function studies to diagnose emphysema and other forms of COPD.
Your score was:
Updated:
November 18, 2020
Sources:
Created for Wellness Library/July 2002
Reviewed By:
Allen J Blaivas DO,Marianne Fraser MSN RN,Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN