Stage 3 – Severe Emphysema
With stage 3 emphysema, the obstruction or restriction of the airway passages can be more obvious. You would feel a significant drop in the amount of air you can take in and out in each breath. Thus, the most common symptom is shortness of breath, especially during a physical activity. Some other conditions that you developed in stage 2 might get worse and increase in the level of intensity, such as chronic coughing with higher frequency. You will have a lower tolerance for physical activities due to a lack of sufficient oxygen. Also, there would be greater chest discomfort and fatigue. [3]
