What is a typical symptom of emphysema?

Progressive dyspnea is a hallmark symptom of emphysema, a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by the destruction of alveoli and loss of elastic recoil in the lungs. This leads to difficulty in exhaling air, resulting in shortness of breath that worsens over time. Individuals with emphysema often find that everyday activities become increasingly challenging as their ability to take deep breaths diminishes.

In the context of the other options, a productive cough with yellow sputum is more commonly associated with bronchitis or infections rather than emphysema. Severe chest pain is not a typical symptom of emphysema; it may be more indicative of other conditions such as heart problems or pulmonary embolism. Wheezing can occur in emphysema, but it is not as defining a symptom as dyspnea. The focus in managing emphysema is primarily on alleviating shortness of breath and improving the quality of life for affected individuals.