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.
Signs and Symptoms of Emphysema Symptoms of emphysema vary from mild to severe and include shortness of breath (dyspnea), cough, and difficulty breathing upon exertion (e.g., exercise). Emphysema is a chronic (long lasting), progressive condition, which means the symptoms usually worsen over time.
At its worst, emphysema can cause air hunger.. This is the constant feeling of being unable to catch one's breath. These respiratory symptoms are the same regardless of the cause of the emphysema. However, two people with the same degree of lung damage may have different symptoms. One person with mild emphysema may feel very short of breath. Another person with more advanced stages of the disease may be hardly bothered by symptoms.