Does anyone know if mild to moderate emphysema can be very painful. Is it possible that there may be another?

problem that the doctors have overlooked. Like mesothelioma becuase my father was a smoker for 40 years but also was exposed to asbestos for about 30 years working as a mechanic. Plus there is asbestos in the house he has lived in for 30 years.

he has been to two doctors and both have said it is emphesema.

he has not smoked in 2-3 years. his symtoms are stabbing pain in right side of chest, neck, and right arm that has been constant for three years. his cheeks and neck get hot. sensitivity to light. the main thing that worries me is the right arm and neck being included in the pain. if someone could tell me that this is normal we would both feel alot better. thanks

Emphysema falls under the umbrella term of "COPD", which stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Other diseases that fall under this umbrella include asthma, chronic bronchitis, etc.

When one's breathing is comprimised, that means that they are not getting enough oxygen into their body's tissues. That, in turn, can make the heart try to compensate by working harder to provide more oxygen. So, sometimes this can cause pain for a number of reasons. The alveoli in the lungs of a person with emphysema are not working properly, the heart may be overworking and the nerves may be more hypersensitive to messages of pain.

However, if you are concerned, because he has had unremitting chest/neck/arm pain for 3 years, than I think that it is perfectly reasonable to see a cardiologist for an opinion regarding his heart.

I hope this helps.