Weakening of the lower limbs and swell the ankles and feet
At the late stages of emphysema, patients can have swelling of the ankles and feet known as edema. This occurs in the long-term because at this time emphysema begins to affect the heart and impede the proper circulation of blood. The poor circulation of blood, causes blood to pool in the periphery where it leads to swelling of the ankles and feet.
This symptom often progresses from swelling of the feet occurring only when patients sit for long to being present at all times of the day. It can ameliorate when patients lie down or elevate their feet. When examined by a physician, edema caused by this disease is pitting. This means that it can be compressed by a finger to form a hollow on the surface of the skin. Edema in this disease also affects both legs equally. The affected areas can be tender and can often be itchy. [3]