Emphysema is a long-term, progressive disease of the lungs that primarily causes shortness of breath due to over-inflation of the alveoli (air sacs in the lung). THEOPHYLLINE is a bronchodilator. It helps open up the airways in your lungs to make it easier to breathe. This medicine is used to treat the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Compare prices, print coupons and get savings tips for Theophylline (Generic Elixophyllin) and other Asthma and COPD drugs at CVS, Walgreens, and other pharmacies. Prices start at $35.73 Detailed Theophylline dosage information for adults and children. Includes dosages for Asthma - Maintenance and Asthma - Acute; plus renal, liver and dialysis adjustments. In the moderate stage of emphysema, the breathing test shows a worsening airflow limitation. Usually the symptoms have increased. Shortness of breath usually develops when working hard, walking fast, or doing other brisk activity. Theophylline is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the lungs and chest, making the lungs less sensitive to allergens and other causes of bronchospasm. Emphysema is separated into four stages: at-risk, mild emphysema, moderate emphysema, and severe emphysema. In order to determine if someone has emphysema and which stage he or she is in, the doctor will use a breathing test called spirometry. Treatment for Emphysema. Emphysema is an irreversible condition and the goals of treatment are to reduce symptoms and to slow progression of the disease. Recent Examples on the Web. When it’s broken down in the body, caffeine produces small amounts of the bronchodilator theophylline. — Brad Rickman, Condé Nast Traveler, Traveling With Asthma, 17 Apr. 2018 The scientists found that amphetamine works with another ingredient, theophylline, a drug that is used for lung diseases such. Theophylline is used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases.