What type of breathing difficulty occurs in emphysema patients?

Patients with emphysema typically experience difficulty exhaling air due to the destruction of the alveoli and loss of elasticity in the lung tissue. Emphysema, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), leads to a reduced ability of the lungs to efficiently expel air during the exhalation phase of breathing. The damaged air sacs trap air, making it challenging for patients to fully empty their lungs, which can result in shortness of breath and a feeling of breathlessness, particularly during physical activities.

The inability to exhale air effectively can cause a buildup of carbon dioxide and hinder the intake of fresh oxygen, further exacerbating the breathing difficulty experienced by patients. Hence, the primary characteristic of breathing difficulty in emphysema is indeed the difficulty in exhaling air.