The total air surface of the lungs is reduced as a result, and so less oxygen reaches the bloodstream. The stale air becomes trapped, which leaves no room for fresh, oxygen-rich air to enter the lungs. This leads to shortness of breath.
The main symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath; people may also experience confusion due to lack of oxygen or their lips or fingernails turn blue or gray with exertion. This symptom may initially only appear with exertion, but eventually, a person with emphysema will be short of breath even at rest.
People who have emphysema are more likely to develop complications. These may include a collapsed lung due to compromised lung function, heart problems because of increased pressure in the arteries that connect the heart and lungs, or large holes in the lunges which then increase the likelihood of a collapsed lung.
Emphysema is diagnosed through a physical exam and medical history. In addition, a doctor will request a range of diagnostic tests, including imaging tests such as a chest X-ray and a CT scan, lab tests to check how well your blood is carrying oxygen into and removing carbon dioxide from your bloodstream, and lung function tests. This condition cannot be cured. Treatments can alleviate some symptoms and slow the progress of emphysema. If you have emphysema, your doctor may prescribe medication to relax constricted airways bronchodilators to reduce inflammation inhaled steroids or to fight infection antibiotics.
Various types of therapies may also be effective. The kinds of accommodations you might want to request from your employer to make the workplace more accessible could include but are not limited to :. In addition to asking for accommodations from your employer, there are steps you can take to make it easier to work with COPD:. If your COPD is severe and significantly disrupts or prevents you from doing your job, you can apply to be approved for disability benefits through the social security administration SSA.
Monthly SSA disability benefits can be used to pay for essentials including rent, groceries, medical bills, medications, childcare, and specialized training if you wish to eventually return to work.
In order to qualify, the SSA needs evidence of your lung function, which often includes blood tests , spirometry, and pulse oximetry tests. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Reviewed: October 7, In addition to affecting your ability to breathe normally and comfortably, emphysema can also make it difficult for you to work, especially if you have a labor-intensive job.
When your emphysema has started to substantially limit your work ability, a good option is to apply for disability benefits. Most forms of disability are eligible for benefits at some level, providing the perfect avenue for financial support when you can no longer work. Learn the requirements for receiving disability benefits for emphysema, and discover the circumstances when you need legal help to get your benefits.
Severe emphysema will, in most cases, be automatically approved for disability benefits if its effects reach the level of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder COPD. To test if your emphysema qualifies as COPD, Social Security will request that you submit to several breathing tests to confirm your respiratory ability. Because symptoms are common to many other diseases, a thorough medical history, including physical examination, and chest x-ray or other appropriate imaging techniques will be required to establish proof of chronic pulmonary disease, which you will need in order to be awarded benefits on the basis of Emphysema.
Pulmonary function testing will also be required to assess the severity of the respiratory impairment once a diagnosis is made. Although total disability based on Emphysema can be difficult to prove compared to other disabling conditions, working closely with medical professionals and a qualified Social Security disability attorney or advocate to collect and present the appropriate documentation to support your disability claim in front of the Disability Determination Services DDS can help to ensure that your Emphysema disability case will have the highest possible chance of success.
Emphysema is a respiratory disorder that is covered by a listing under Section 3. The SSA may evaluate your limitations based on the systems of your body that are affected by your emphysema. Emphysema could affect your heart, so you may be able to qualify using Section 4. You should talk with your physician about your medical condition. He or she will know if you may qualify for disability benefits based on the severity of your condition.
Also, if your physician knows you plan to apply for disability benefits, he or she may provide more detailed notations explaining the severity of your condition and your restrictions and limitations.
Documentation is essential to the outcome of your claim, and to have a claim approved, hard medical evidence is a necessity.
The SSA considers emphysema to be an obstructive airway disease. They will consider how it impedes your ability perform routine daily tasks, such as walk, bend, and move in general. They will also consider the degree that your symptoms including shortness of breath and pain, limit your functioning and your treatment and how well you respond to that treatment.
Progression of the disease will lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, bluish skin, excess mucus, and coughing. Lowered oxygen level can cause irritability, impaired mental state, and cause grumpiness. Headaches and insomnia can result from higher carbon dioxide levels in the blood. The condition can be very disabling and keep you from performing routine daily activities as well as working and earning a living. To succeed with your disability claim, you will need to be able to provide supporting documentation that details the severity of your condition and how it keeps you from performing your regular work duties.
Detailed medical records is essential to a successful disability claim.
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