Serious Symptoms Of Emphysema

Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue is characterized by an individual's inability to carry out normal daily activities without feeling overly exhausted and tired. It occurs when there is not enough energy to provide to all of the cells around the body. For the cells in the body to produce usable energy, they require a constant supply of nutrients such as glucose and oxygen. While cells can make energy in the absence of oxygen, this secondary mechanism does not work efficiently and produces potentially toxic byproducts. An individual affected by emphysema does not have as much oxygen in their blood circulation as a healthy individual. This poor oxygen concentration in the blood is because the lungs are too damaged to facilitate an adequate amount of carbon dioxide-oxygen exchange. The poor oxygen concentration of the blood causes an overall shortage of cellular energy in the body. In such conditions, the body allocates energy to vital organs like the lungs and heart. This mechanism takes energy away from the cells of the muscles in the rest of the body, causing fatigue.

Learn more about the various warning signs of emphysema now.