as is the case with most illnesses the health care provider will take a careful history to learn about the lung and breathing symptoms. how long has the shortness of breath been present? what makes it better? what makes it worse? has there been an infection recently? have the symptoms been getting more severe? does the patient smoke? does the patient have exposure to secondhand smoke or other toxic fumes? is there a family history of lung disease?
how is emphysema diagnosed?