What is a distinguishing feature of emphysema?

Emphysema is characterized by a progressive damage to the alveoli in the lungs, which leads to a decrease in respiratory function. One of the distinguishing features of emphysema is the development of a barrel chest. This occurs as the lungs remain hyperinflated because of trapped air, which alters the shape of the chest. The increased chest diameter results from the lungs needing more space to accommodate the excess air that cannot be expelled efficiently.

This change in chest shape can be a vital clinical indicator when assessing a patient, as it reflects both the chronic nature of the disease and the compromised respiratory mechanics that individuals with emphysema experience. Other features associated with emphysema may include difficulty in exhaling air and increased effort required to breathe, but the barrel chest is particularly distinctive and observable in diagnosing the condition.