subject: Know About Symptoms And Cure Of Emphysema [print this page] Emphysema is a chronic disease wherein a person finds extremely difficulty in breathing. The person is comfortable to breathe in oxygen but cannot comfortably breathe out. The cause of this disease is none other than addiction to smoking.
The bronchioles, which resemble grape clusters, are small air sacs in the lungs. As the bronchioles incur more and more damage, they are destroyed. This effectively decreases the number of air sacs, thus inhibiting oxygen from entering the blood stream. Normally round, their inner walls become holes making it difficult to expel air from the lungs. In addition, elastic fibers that work to hold the air passages to the bronchioles open are also severely damaged, causing the airways to collapse on exhalation. Air is unable to escape.
Obstructed airway is a factor of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that plays a role in emphysema. Although there is treatment available, the disease is irreversible and progresses to an end stage condition.
What kind of symptoms are visible?
Shortness of breath on exertion, Wheezing Tightness in the chest, Inability to engage in physical activity, Persistent cough, Weight loss Low or no appetite and Tires easily are common symptoms.
However, all these symptoms necessarily does not lead to emphysema. But they do indicate that the lungs are not functioning properly. You are required to consult a physician to know the cause behind the symptoms. The most usual cause attributed to this disease is smoking. Inherited protein deficiency, better known as AAt is also another identified cause. Now for those not aware, AAt is something that protects the elastic tissues present in the lungs.
Testing:
Your doctor will order special testing, to include:
Spirometry Arterial Blood Gas (ABG), Chest x-ray and Sputum analysis CT scan.
If testing comes back positive for emphysema, your doctor will decide what is the best treatment for you. If you smoke, now is a good time to stop.
Treatment or cure:
There are various kinds of treatments available that range from inhaled corticosteroids to bronchodilators. In case you have GERD, you need to be provided treatment so that the disease does not aggravate. If you have low levels of blood oxygen, your physician may recommend supplemental supply of oxygen to help you breath in a better way and thereby increase the levels of blood oxygen.
Pulmonary rehabilitation programs provide education, exercise and behavioral techniques that are beneficial to patients diagnosed with emphysema. You will have nutritional guidance, help with quitting smoking, and breathing exercises to help save your energy.
Medication like antibiotics are suggested only if an underlying bacterial infection is diagnosed.
Other kinds of treatments are also available. It includes surgery, by which the damaged lungs parts are removed. In severe cases, lung transplantation is a suitable option.
Emphysema is usually considered as a chronic disease that requires ongoing treatment and that will surely last for the rest of life. You must see the doctor at the earliest in case you experience any kind of symptom.
