Superficial to the gland is the sternum. Lying deep to the thymus are the great vessels and the cranial part of the pericardium. The two lobes of the gland differ in size, and in many individuals the right lobe overlaps the left lobe. The thymus is about 5 cm long, 4 cm wide, and 6 mm thick.
Because the onset of the disease is gradual, many cases are not diagnosed until irreversible damage has occurred. Episodes of worsening symptoms (called exacerbations) are common in patients who have emphysema. Exacerbations become more frequent in advanced disease. Other symptoms of emphysema include the following: Cyanosis (bluish tint to the lips, fingertips, and skin; caused by low levels of oxygen [O2] in the blood) Edema (swelling; commonly in the feet and ankles)
In the early stages of COPD, there may be no symptoms, or you may only have mild symptoms, such as: 1  A nagging cough (often called smoker's cough). 2  Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity. 3  Wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe).4  Tightness in the chest.hronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious lung disease that gradually makes it harder and harder to breathe. COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.