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)
COPD symptoms What does COPD feel like? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can include chronic bronchitis and emphysema, 2 conditions that cause different symptoms. Because COPD is usually a progressive disease, more of your airways can become narrowed or blocked over time. Quitting smoking is the only thing that can slow the progression of COPD. Some symptoms of COPD may include: Shortness of breath. Wheezing. Chronic cough and mucus. A feeling of tightness in the chest.