Will Emphysema Show Up In A Chest X Ray?

Posted on Fri, 13 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 13 Mar 2015 Answered on

Thu, 2 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had chest x-rays for pneumonia. Would emphazema show up. When I walk fast or uphill, I feel foggy. Like I might faint if I don't stop. Could that be a sign? I can dance for a hour without too much
difficulty.

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Emphysema can be shown in a chest X-ray.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Yes,emphysema can be shown in a chest X-ray but mild emphysema is best detected by HRCT scan of thorax.
Emphysema is diagnosed by overinflated lung fields with paucity of blood vessels,flattening of both domes of diaphragm and tubular heart.

Your symptoms may be due to cardiopulmonary causes etc.It need proper evaluation.It is also important due to your age.

Get well soon.
Hope i have answered your query.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar