it's difficult to predict the rate of progression of emphysema symptoms. much is unknown about why emphysema occurs and in whom. in some people emphysema symptoms progress faster than in others. it's believed that genetic factors make some people more vulnerable to developing emphysema. genetics may also cause some people's emphysema symptoms to progress more rapidly. the majority of people with emphysema though can expect relatively slow progression of emphysema symptoms provided they quit smoking.
how does emphysema progress?