Emphysema: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Emphysema is a type of lung disease which affects the alveoli of the lungs and results in shortness of breath. It is a type of COPD and is usually precipitated by long term exposure to irritants and cigarette smoking being the most common. This article will look at what emphysema is, the signs and the available cure.

What Is Emphysema?

Emphysema is the disease of lung tissue with the primary lesion affecting the alveoli. Usually these air sacs expand and collapse as you breathe in and out but with emphysema the sacs are rendered dysfunctional and cannot regain their original shape. This results in accumulation of air within the lungs making it hard to expel air and in turn decreasing the amount of oxygen that is exchanged.

Causes of Emphysema

The most common cause of emphysema is smoking that leads to the inflammation and destruction of lung tissues. However, other factors can also increase the risk of developing the condition, including:

• Systemic accumulation of stressors including chemical vapors, dust and Pollution.
• Genetic factors: It is a rare disease in which lack of the protein alpha-1 antitrypsin may cause emphysema even in non-smokers.
• Age: Emphysema is a lung disease that is common in individuals above the age of 40 and such factors as smoking or exposure to other lung irritants.

Symptoms of Emphysema

The common signs of emphysema do not appear suddenly and as the condition progresses, they get worse. Early signs may include:

• Dyspnea especially on exertion.
• Persistent cough.
• Coughing that is productive of clear, white mucus.
• Fatigue.
• In some severe scenarios; unintentional weight loss.

If you have these symptoms, consult a Pulmonologist in Karachi.

In the later stages of the disease people may have problems performing simple activities such as walking or going up the stairs due to the difficulty in breathing.

Diagnosis

If emphysema is suspected, a healthcare provider may perform the following tests

• Lung tests that help in determining the lung capacity and the air flow are known as Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs).
• Chest x-rays or a CT scan to check for lung injury.

Treatment Options

Emphysema has no cure but it is a chronic disease and management is done through control of symptoms, prevention of the advancement of the disease and improvement of quality of life. Common treatment approaches include:

• Quitting Smoking: In this case, the most important thing that patients with emphysema should do is quit smoking. This is because it assists in reducing the rate at which the disease progresses as well as stop further damage to the lungs.

• Medications: Bronchodilators and corticosteroids in inhalers can enable the relaxation of the airways and decrease inflammation. If symptoms become infected, antibiotics may be given as a treatment.

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation: It has been suggested that a rehabilitation program including exercise, breathing and dietary manipulation may help to enhance lung function and general well-being.

• Oxygen Therapy: In some severe cases, oxygen may be administered to the patient to make sure the oxygen levels in the bloodstream are adequate.

• Surgery: In more severe cases of emphysema, there are surgical procedures that can be done such as the lung volume reduction surgery or lung transplant.

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to medical treatments, certain lifestyle changes can help manage emphysema:

• Some of them include; Doing exercises that help to build up the muscles around the lungs.
• Balancing on the meals in order to keep the energy up and not lose weight in the process.
• Not exposing oneself to lung irritants such as pollution and second hand smoke.

Prevention

Prevention of emphysema is not very much possible but the most effective way is to refrain from smoking and other lung irritants. Some other ways that may also assist in slowing down the advancement of the disease include diagnosing the disease at an early stage as well as adopting new behaviors.

Conclusion

Emphysema is a chronic disease which means that patients need to control the disease throughout their lifetime. Though irreversible, a patient should avoid smoking, follow his or her doctor’s advice on treatments, and make a positive change in lifestyle to help him or her breathe easier and live a better life. To consult a Pulmonologist in Lahore visit oladoc or your nearest hospital.