What is the MAIN difference between COPD - and Emphysema if there is one?

[Bricealan]

COPD is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease... the term seems to be a catch all for just about any kind of lung disease aside from Cancer.

My father died of Cardiac failure, as a result of having Emphysema for years, (smoking) and they told us that his heart failed as a result of constantly having to clear his lungs of fluids, caused by the Emphysema.

If there is a difference, I cannot find a clear definition of what that difference is?

Any MD's or RN's on the site that know the specific differences?

[Oliverlogan263]

The main difference between COPD and emphysema is:

- COPD is a general term for chronic lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe. It includes both emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

- Emphysema specifically refers to damage/destruction of the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. This damage causes the air sacs to lose their elasticity and become overinflated, which prevents proper gas exchange in the lungs.

- Chronic bronchitis refers to long-term inflammation/irritation of the airways that comes with mucus/cough production. It's different than regular acute bronchitis.

So COPD is an umbrella term, while emphysema and chronic bronchitis are specific conditions that fall under COPD. Emphysema destroys air sacs, while chronic bronchitis inflames airways.

Your dad likely had COPD caused by severe emphysema from smoking. The damage to his lungs meant his heart had to work extra hard to oxygenate blood, which eventually led to heart failure. Both conditions essentially contributed to each other due to the long-term lung damage.

Hope this helps explain the main difference! Let me know if any other questions.

[Bricealan]

Thanks for the more accurate differences. I was under the impression that COPD was, as you said, a catch all term, and recently read that James Caan died of COPD related causes and heart failure, whereas my dad had Emphysema for many years from smoking and would not quit until he had destroyed his lungs. So, Emphysema is SPECIFIC, as to the damage to the lungs, and COPD is a generalized term that could cover a number of conditions... if I understand correctly.

Thanks for the information.

[Oliverlogan263]

No problem man, thanks for the extra info too. Yeah from the way you explained it, I think I understand the difference between COPD and emphysema better now. COPD does seem like more of a general term for chronic lung issues, while emphysema is the specific condition where the tiny air sacs in the lungs get damaged.

It makes sense that your dad had emphysema for so long from smoking, since that's what actually destroys the inside of the lungs over time. And then like you said, that damage is what made it so hard for his heart and body in general. Really sucks that it took him getting that sick to finally quit smoking, but I guess sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom before people make a change. At least hopefully his experience could help others realize it's not worth the risk.

You’re welcome. Learning new stuff is cool, especially about important health stuff. Maybe sharing what you know can save someone else's life down the road too. Your dad wouldn't have wanted his struggle to be for nothing, y'know? Anyway, let me know if any other questions come up!

[Bricealan]

@Oliverlogan263 I think I asked this question at the right time... Watching a series on Amazon with Clive Owen, - playing the role of the age old movie character SAM SPADE, (a chain smoker) film setting in France... Spade went to a French Dr. and was diagnosed with " early Emphysema".
The Spade character asked the Doc..."How long do I have?" (to live, I guess he meant) The doctor replied..."Well, if you quit smoking now, you will live another 30 years. If you DON'T quit, you will live another 30 years" My father was diagnosed with it when he retired, (65) and died when he was 93 !!!

Problem was, the disease kept him from doing anything physical,,,,,(walking uphill) anything that required cardio vascular function. But 93,! Damn! With Emphysema!

Thanks for your interest and input... I will see how long 'Sam Spade" lives

[Oliverlogan263]

Damn dude, that's crazy your old man lived to 93 with emphysema beating down his lungs that whole time. Props to him for fighting through all those years, must've been real tough. Shows how tough those old timers could be, ya know?

And that's a wild quote from the doc too - 30 years either way he chooses. Goes to show smoking ain't the only factor. Genetics and how hard you work at staying healthy regardless probably counts for a lot too.

Be cool to see how long Spade makes it in the show. Maybe he'll prove that doc wrong and smoke til the end, living way past 30 more! Or maybe he'll take that advice, butt out the smokes, and show what quitting can really do for a guy.

Either way, thanks for the education. Lungs are nothing to mess with, so I'll be sure to watch my own intake, you feel me? Keep me posted if you rewatch that scene - always cool to compare truth to fiction, know what I'm sayin? Stay gold sir!

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

My late Grand-dad passed away due to Emphysema and smoking cancer related illnesses.

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

Thanks for MHO :)

[Bricealan]

You're welcome.