4. Fatigue, Reduced Appetite, and Weight Loss
Weight loss is a symptom of emphysema in its final stages. As the disease progresses, the lungs expand in size, placing pressure on the stomach and surrounding organs. Patients may find that eating a meal causes discomfort, as the stomach struggles to deal with the volume of food and the pressure placed on the stomach by the enlarged lungs.
Experiencing these symptoms can put patients off their food, and they begin to eat less. As a result of less incoming calories, you start to shed mass. In the absence of adequate nutrition, the body will metabolize healthy muscle cells as a source of protein to keep metabolism functioning, leaving fat stores behind as a store of biological fuel.
Some foods may exacerbate the feeling of fullness, and reduce appetite. Avoid foods high in fiber, as well as salty and spicy meals. Reduce the number of carbonated beverages and coffee you consume; the caffeine can increase your symptoms.