What are the primary causes of emphysema. How does emphysema affect lung function. What are the main symptoms of emphysema. How is emphysema diagnosed. What treatment options are available for emphysema. How can respiratory rehabilitation programs help emphysema patients. What lifestyle changes can improve quality of life for those with emphysema.

Understanding Emphysema: A Chronic Lung Condition

Emphysema is a progressive lung disease that falls under the umbrella of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It primarily affects the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, causing them to lose their elasticity and become damaged over time. This condition significantly impacts a person’s ability to breathe and can severely diminish their quality of life if left untreated.

What causes emphysema?

The primary causes of emphysema include:

• Cigarette smoking (the leading cause)
• Long-term exposure to industrial pollutants or dusts
• Genetic factors, such as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (in a small percentage of cases)

Repeated exposure to these irritants leads to inflammation and damage in the airways and air sacs of the lungs. Over time, this causes the air passages to lose their elasticity, becoming thickened and swollen, which narrows the passageways for air.

The Impact of Emphysema on Lung Function

Emphysema profoundly affects the structure and function of the lungs. In healthy lungs, the airways branch out into smaller passages, ending in tiny air sacs called alveoli. These air sacs are where the crucial exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.

How does emphysema alter lung structure?

In emphysema, the following changes occur:

1. Air sacs lose their elasticity and become damaged
2. Airways become inflamed and thickened
3. Air passages narrow, making it harder to breathe
4. The number of functional air sacs decreases
5. The capillaries servicing the damaged alveoli gradually reduce

These structural changes result in partial blockage of air passages and reduced capacity for the lungs to extract oxygen from inhaled air. Consequently, individuals with emphysema must work harder to breathe and may not get sufficient oxygen, leading to various symptoms and complications.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Emphysema

Identifying the symptoms of emphysema is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. The condition typically develops slowly over time, and symptoms may not be noticeable in the early stages.

What are the main symptoms of emphysema?

The most common symptoms include:

• Breathlessness, initially with exertion and eventually at rest in advanced cases
• Increased susceptibility to chest infections
• Persistent cough with phlegm production
• Fatigue
• Barrel-shaped chest (due to expanded ribcage accommodating enlarged lungs)
• Cyanosis (bluish tint to the skin) from lack of oxygen

As the disease progresses, these symptoms can become more severe and significantly impact daily activities. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent breathlessness or a long-term productive cough.

Diagnosing Emphysema: Tools and Techniques

Accurate diagnosis of emphysema is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Healthcare providers use a combination of tests and examinations to confirm the presence of emphysema and assess its severity.

How is emphysema diagnosed?

The primary diagnostic tools for emphysema include:

1. Spirometry: This lung function test is the main method for diagnosing COPD, including emphysema. It measures how much air you can inhale and exhale, and how quickly you can exhale.
2. Other lung function tests: These may include additional breathing tests to assess lung capacity and function.
3. Chest X-rays: These can show signs of emphysema, such as enlarged lungs or air pockets (bullae).
4. CT scans: These provide more detailed images of the lungs, helping to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of damage.

Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management and slowing the progression of emphysema. If you experience symptoms or are at risk due to smoking or occupational exposure, consult your doctor for appropriate screening.

Treatment Strategies for Emphysema Management

While there is no cure for emphysema, various treatment options can help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and slow disease progression. A comprehensive treatment plan typically involves a combination of medical interventions and lifestyle changes.

What treatment options are available for emphysema?

Treatment strategies for emphysema include:

• Smoking cessation: This is the most critical step in managing emphysema and preventing further lung damage.
• Medications:
  • Bronchodilators to widen airways and loosen phlegm
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce airway inflammation
  • Antibiotics to treat respiratory infections
• Oxygen therapy: For advanced cases, supplemental oxygen can help improve oxygen levels in the blood.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation programs: These comprehensive programs help patients manage their condition more effectively.
• Stress management techniques: These can help patients cope with the challenges of living with a chronic condition.
• Regular, gentle exercise: This can improve overall fitness and lung function.
• Vaccinations: Yearly flu shots and pneumococcal vaccinations can help prevent respiratory infections.

The specific treatment plan will depend on the severity of the condition and individual patient factors. Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers are essential to monitor the disease progression and adjust treatment as needed.

The Role of Respiratory Rehabilitation Programs

Respiratory rehabilitation programs, also known as pulmonary rehab, play a crucial role in managing emphysema. These comprehensive programs are designed to improve patients’ physical and psychological well-being, helping them better cope with their condition and enhance their quality of life.

How can respiratory rehabilitation programs help emphysema patients?

Pulmonary rehab programs offer several benefits:

1. Education: Patients receive detailed information about emphysema, its management, and coping strategies.
2. Exercise training: Supervised exercise programs help improve cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength, enhancing overall endurance and reducing breathlessness.
3. Breathing techniques: Patients learn specific breathing exercises to improve lung function and manage shortness of breath.
4. Nutritional counseling: Proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining strength and supporting the immune system.
5. Psychological support: Programs often include stress management techniques and support for dealing with the emotional aspects of living with a chronic condition.
6. Occupational therapy: Patients learn energy conservation techniques and ways to perform daily activities with less breathlessness.

These programs are typically conducted by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including respiratory therapists, physiotherapists, dietitians, and psychologists. Participation in pulmonary rehab can significantly improve exercise capacity, reduce hospitalizations, and enhance overall quality of life for emphysema patients.

Lifestyle Modifications for Living with Emphysema

In addition to medical treatments and rehabilitation programs, certain lifestyle changes can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with emphysema. These modifications can help manage symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, and slow disease progression.

What lifestyle changes can improve quality of life for those with emphysema?

Key lifestyle modifications include:

• Quitting smoking: This is the single most important step in managing emphysema and preventing further lung damage.
• Avoiding air pollutants: Minimize exposure to secondhand smoke, industrial fumes, and other air pollutants.
• Maintaining a healthy diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can support overall health and boost the immune system.
• Regular exercise: Engage in gentle, regular physical activity as recommended by your healthcare provider to improve cardiovascular fitness and lung function.
• Stress management: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Proper sleep hygiene: Ensure adequate rest to support overall health and reduce fatigue.
• Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help keep mucus thin and easier to expel.
• Avoiding extreme temperatures: Protect yourself from very cold or hot environments, which can trigger breathing difficulties.

Implementing these lifestyle changes, along with following prescribed medical treatments, can significantly improve day-to-day living for those with emphysema. It’s important to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized management plan that addresses individual needs and circumstances.

Coping with Complications of Emphysema

As emphysema progresses, it can lead to various complications that require additional management and care. Understanding these potential complications and their implications is crucial for patients and caregivers.

What are the common complications of emphysema?

The main complications include:

1. Pneumonia: Emphysema patients are more susceptible to lung infections, including pneumonia. Regular vaccinations and prompt treatment of respiratory infections are essential.
2. Collapsed lung (pneumothorax): Large air pockets (bullae) can develop in the lungs and may burst, causing lung deflation. This requires immediate medical attention.
3. Heart problems: The strain of pumping blood through damaged lungs can lead to heart issues over time. Regular cardiovascular check-ups are important.
4. Cor pulmonale: This is a type of heart failure that occurs due to high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries.
5. Malnutrition: Advanced emphysema can make eating difficult due to breathlessness, potentially leading to weight loss and malnutrition.

Managing these complications often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving pulmonologists, cardiologists, and other specialists. Regular medical check-ups and adherence to treatment plans are crucial for early detection and management of these complications.

Emphysema – Better Health Channel

Summary

Read the full fact sheet

• Emphysema is a type of lung disease that causes breathlessness.
• Emphysema is usually caused by cigarette smoking.
• There is no cure, but the condition can be managed using medications and adjustments to lifestyle.
• If you have shortness of breath or a long-term productive cough (a cough that produces mucus or phlegm), see your doctor for a lung function test.

Emphysema and another lung condition known as chronic bronchitis (persistent cough with phlegm) are both features of a common lung disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Emphysema is generally caused by cigarette smoking or long-term exposure to certain industrial pollutants or dusts. A small percentage of cases are caused by a familial or genetic disorder, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. While damaged airways don’t regenerate and there is no cure, emphysema is preventable and treatable.

Symptoms of emphysema

The symptoms of emphysema include:

• breathlessness with exertion, and eventually breathlessness most of the time in advanced disease
• susceptibility to chest infections
• cough with phlegm production
• fatigue
• barrel-shaped chest (from expansion of the ribcage in order to accommodate enlarged lungs)
• cyanosis (a blue tinge to the skin) due to lack of oxygen.

Structure of the lungs

The lungs are sponge-like structures that lie within the chest, protected by the ribcage. They are made up of progressively branching air passages. The largest of these is the windpipe (trachea), which divides into the two bronchi, which divide into the smaller bronchioles.

Bronchioles end in minute air sacs (alveoli), where inhaled oxygen is transferred to the blood stream and carbon dioxide is transferred from the blood into the exhaled breath. This exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place via a fine mesh of capillaries.

Damaged airways and lungs

After repeated exposure to chemical irritants, such as cigarette smoke, the air passages and air sacs of the lungs become inflamed and damaged.

The airways of healthy lungs have elastic properties, but in lungs that are repeatedly exposed to irritants, the airways lose their elasticity and become thickened and swollen. This swelling means that the passageway for air becomes narrower.

If the same person also has chronic bronchitis (ongoing inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes), the mucus present can further contribute to narrowing of the air passages and clogging of the air sacs, further reducing their ability to function. As the number of functional air sacs reduces, the number of capillaries servicing the damaged alveoli also gradually reduces.

These changes result in:

• partial blockage of the passages carrying inhaled and exhaled breath
• reduced capacity for the lungs to extract the oxygen from inhaled air.

This means that the person has to breathe harder to get enough oxygen.

Complications of emphysema

Complications of emphysema can include:

• pneumonia – this is an infection of the alveoli and bronchioles. People with emphysema are more prone to pneumonia
• collapsed lung – some lungs develop large air pockets (bullae), which may burst, resulting in lung deflation (also called pneumothorax)
• heart problems – damaged alveoli, reduced number of capillaries and lower oxygen levels in the blood stream may mean that the heart has to pump harder to move blood through the lungs. Over time, this can place considerable strain on the heart.

Diagnosis of emphysema

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including emphysema, is diagnosed mainly using a lung function test called spirometry. Other tests that may help in diagnosis of emphysema include:

• other lung function (or breathing) tests
• chest x-rays
• CT scans.

Treatment for emphysema

There is no cure for emphysema, although it is treatable. Appropriate management can reduce symptoms, improve your quality of life and help you stay out of hospital.

Management includes:

• stopping smoking immediately and completely – this is the most effective treatment for COPD and emphysema
• avoiding other air pollutants
• respiratory (pulmonary) rehabilitation programs
• oxygen treatment, in advanced cases
• medications such as
  • anti-inflammatory medications
  • medicine to widen the airways (bronchodilators) and loosen the phlegm
  • antibiotics
• stress management techniques
• gentle, regular exercise to improve overall fitness
• influenza vaccination (yearly) and pneumococcal vaccination to protect against certain types of respiratory infection.

Respiratory rehabilitation programs

A person with emphysema can take part in a respiratory rehabilitation program, commonly known as ‘pulmonary rehab’. These programs:

• provide information and education on emphysema
• introduce people to a supervised exercise program proven to improve emphysema symptoms
• improve lung function through specific breathing exercises
• teach stress management techniques
• offer advice on adapting to life with emphysema
• provide emotional support through shared experiences.

To find out about a program near you, call Lung Foundation AustraliaExternal Link on 1800 654 301.

Oxygen treatment for emphysema

If a person with emphysema is found to have exceptionally low levels of oxygen in their blood, they will be given oxygen to use at home. The oxygen is usually breathed through the nose via nasal prongs (cannulae). The person will need to use the oxygen treatment for at least 16 hours every day.

Where to get help

• Your GP (doctor)
• Lung Foundation AustraliaExternal Link Tel. 1800 654 301
• QUITlineExternal Link Tel. 13 78 48

• Yang IA, Brown JL, George J, et al. 2018, The COPD-X Plan: Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 2018External Link, version 2.53, Lung Foundation Australia and the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved
by:

Emphysema – Better Health Channel

Summary

Read the full fact sheet

• Emphysema is a type of lung disease that causes breathlessness.
• Emphysema is usually caused by cigarette smoking.
• There is no cure, but the condition can be managed using medications and adjustments to lifestyle.
• If you have shortness of breath or a long-term productive cough (a cough that produces mucus or phlegm), see your doctor for a lung function test.

Emphysema and another lung condition known as chronic bronchitis (persistent cough with phlegm) are both features of a common lung disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Emphysema is generally caused by cigarette smoking or long-term exposure to certain industrial pollutants or dusts. A small percentage of cases are caused by a familial or genetic disorder, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. While damaged airways don’t regenerate and there is no cure, emphysema is preventable and treatable.

Symptoms of emphysema

The symptoms of emphysema include:

• breathlessness with exertion, and eventually breathlessness most of the time in advanced disease
• susceptibility to chest infections
• cough with phlegm production
• fatigue
• barrel-shaped chest (from expansion of the ribcage in order to accommodate enlarged lungs)
• cyanosis (a blue tinge to the skin) due to lack of oxygen.

Structure of the lungs

The lungs are sponge-like structures that lie within the chest, protected by the ribcage. They are made up of progressively branching air passages. The largest of these is the windpipe (trachea), which divides into the two bronchi, which divide into the smaller bronchioles.

Bronchioles end in minute air sacs (alveoli), where inhaled oxygen is transferred to the blood stream and carbon dioxide is transferred from the blood into the exhaled breath. This exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place via a fine mesh of capillaries.

Damaged airways and lungs

After repeated exposure to chemical irritants, such as cigarette smoke, the air passages and air sacs of the lungs become inflamed and damaged.

The airways of healthy lungs have elastic properties, but in lungs that are repeatedly exposed to irritants, the airways lose their elasticity and become thickened and swollen. This swelling means that the passageway for air becomes narrower.

If the same person also has chronic bronchitis (ongoing inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes), the mucus present can further contribute to narrowing of the air passages and clogging of the air sacs, further reducing their ability to function. As the number of functional air sacs reduces, the number of capillaries servicing the damaged alveoli also gradually reduces.

These changes result in:

• partial blockage of the passages carrying inhaled and exhaled breath
• reduced capacity for the lungs to extract the oxygen from inhaled air.

This means that the person has to breathe harder to get enough oxygen.

Complications of emphysema

Complications of emphysema can include:

• pneumonia – this is an infection of the alveoli and bronchioles. People with emphysema are more prone to pneumonia
• collapsed lung – some lungs develop large air pockets (bullae), which may burst, resulting in lung deflation (also called pneumothorax)
• heart problems – damaged alveoli, reduced number of capillaries and lower oxygen levels in the blood stream may mean that the heart has to pump harder to move blood through the lungs. Over time, this can place considerable strain on the heart.

Diagnosis of emphysema

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including emphysema, is diagnosed mainly using a lung function test called spirometry. Other tests that may help in diagnosis of emphysema include:

• other lung function (or breathing) tests
• chest x-rays
• CT scans.

Treatment for emphysema

There is no cure for emphysema, although it is treatable. Appropriate management can reduce symptoms, improve your quality of life and help you stay out of hospital.

Management includes:

• stopping smoking immediately and completely – this is the most effective treatment for COPD and emphysema
• avoiding other air pollutants
• respiratory (pulmonary) rehabilitation programs
• oxygen treatment, in advanced cases
• medications such as
  • anti-inflammatory medications
  • medicine to widen the airways (bronchodilators) and loosen the phlegm
  • antibiotics
• stress management techniques
• gentle, regular exercise to improve overall fitness
• influenza vaccination (yearly) and pneumococcal vaccination to protect against certain types of respiratory infection.

Respiratory rehabilitation programs

A person with emphysema can take part in a respiratory rehabilitation program, commonly known as ‘pulmonary rehab’. These programs:

• provide information and education on emphysema
• introduce people to a supervised exercise program proven to improve emphysema symptoms
• improve lung function through specific breathing exercises
• teach stress management techniques
• offer advice on adapting to life with emphysema
• provide emotional support through shared experiences.

To find out about a program near you, call Lung Foundation AustraliaExternal Link on 1800 654 301.

Oxygen treatment for emphysema

If a person with emphysema is found to have exceptionally low levels of oxygen in their blood, they will be given oxygen to use at home. The oxygen is usually breathed through the nose via nasal prongs (cannulae). The person will need to use the oxygen treatment for at least 16 hours every day.

Where to get help

• Your GP (doctor)
• Lung Foundation AustraliaExternal Link Tel. 1800 654 301
• QUITlineExternal Link Tel. 13 78 48

• Yang IA, Brown JL, George J, et al. 2018, The COPD-X Plan: Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 2018External Link, version 2.53, Lung Foundation Australia and the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved
by:

signs, treatments and prognosis

Contents

• 1 Emphysema: symptoms, treatment and prognosis
  • 1.1 Emphysema: description, causes and consequences
    • 1.1.1 What is pulmonary emphysema?
    • 1.1.2 Causes of emphysema
    • 1.1.3 Consequences of emphysema
  • 1.2 Signs and symptoms of emphysema
  • 1.3 Diagnosis of emphysema 900 04
  • 1. 3.1 History and direct examination
  • 1.3.2 Physical diagnostic methods
  • 1.3.3 Instrumental diagnostic methods
• 1.4 Risk factors for pulmonary emphysema
• 1.5 Basic treatment of pulmonary emphysema

9000 5 1.6 Drug therapy for emphysema

• 1.7 Inhalation therapy for emphysema
• 1.8 Oxygen therapy for patients with emphysema
• 1.9 Physiotherapy for the improvement of emphysema
• 1.10 Surgery for emphysema
  • 1.10.1 Lobectomy
  • 1.10.2 Bullectomy
  • 1.10.3 Lung volume reduction
  • 1.10.4 Lung transplant
• 1.11 Q&A:
  • • 1.11.0.1 What is pulmonary emphysema?
    • 1.11.0.2 What are the symptoms associated with emphysema?
    • 1.11.0.3 What diagnosis is needed to detect emphysema?
    • 1.11.0.4 How can emphysema be treated?
    • 1.11.0.5 Can emphysema be prevented?
    • 1.11.0.6 What is the prognosis for emphysema?
• 1. 12 Prognosis for emphysema:
• 1.13 Related videos:

Learn about the symptoms, treatment, and prognosis of emphysema. What methods will alleviate the condition, and what can worsen it? What to do if there are signs of the disease? Get answers to your questions in this article.

Emphysema is a chronic disease that is associated with the gradual destruction of lung tissue and breathing difficulties. Not everyone knows about the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of this disease, although every year it spreads more and more.

The symptoms of emphysema are somewhat similar to those of common respiratory diseases. Also, when emphysema occurs, a person faces problems such as chronic shortness of breath, cough, and various respiratory infections.

In connection with the difficult diagnosis of emphysema, it is worth turning to the most effective methods of treating this disease. For many, these methods may be the only way or the way to minimize the manifestation of the symptoms of the disease, as well as increase life expectancy.

In the article we will analyze in detail why it is so difficult to diagnose emphysema, what methods of treatment of this disease exist, and what kind of prognosis you can live with if you treat it with methods of modern medicine.

Emphysema: description, causes and consequences

What is pulmonary emphysema?

Emphysema is a disease associated with the destruction of the alveoli (air bubbles) in the lungs, resulting in damage to the walls of the airways and reduced lung function.

Causes of pulmonary emphysema

The main cause of pulmonary emphysema is smoking, however, other factors such as air pollution, urbanization, heredity, long-term exposure to harmful substances on the lungs can cause or exacerbate the development of the disease.

Sequelae of pulmonary emphysema

Sequelae of pulmonary emphysema may include: frequent colds, poor quality of life, heart problems, chronic bronchitis and an increased risk of cancer.

Signs and symptoms of emphysema

Emphysema is a chronic disease characterized by the expansion of the air spaces of the lungs, which in turn leads to a decrease in the surface for gas exchange. The main signs and symptoms of emphysema are:

• Cough, usually dry
• Difficulty breathing, especially during exercise
• Chest pain
• Chest tightness
• Increased heart rate
• Fatigue

There may also be weight loss and deterioration in the general condition of the patient. Emphysema progresses over time, and symptoms may get worse every year. At the first suspicion of a disease, it is necessary to consult a pulmonologist for diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis of pulmonary emphysema

History and direct examination

Diagnosis of emphysema begins with anamnesis and direct examination of the patient by a general practitioner or pulmonary specialist. It is important to examine the symptoms and medical history that indicate the likelihood of emphysema. A general direct examination is then performed, including measurement of weight, height, and breath assessment.

Physical diagnostic methods

Physical diagnostic methods, such as auscultation of the lungs and percussion, are of great importance in the detection of emphysema. On auscultation, a characteristic metallic sound can be heard, which is caused by air-filled alveolar capillaries. With percussion, changes in tones during illness can also indicate the presence of emphysema.

Diagnostic imaging

Diagnostic imaging such as X-ray, spirometry, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can confirm the presence of emphysema. X-rays and CT scans may show excess air volume in the lungs, reduced lung tissue, and bullae. Spirometry and peak flow can provide information about the degree of impaired lung function.

The presence of emphysema can be confirmed or ruled out only with an integrated approach to diagnosis, using various methods. According to the results of the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes the appropriate treatment.

Risk factors for emphysema

Risk factors are conditions or activities that can make you more likely to develop emphysema. One of the main risk factors is smoking – lung tissues are affected by toxic substances in tobacco smoke and almost all cases of emphysema are associated with smoking.

Heredity can also influence the occurrence of the disease. Some people may be predisposed to disruption of the normal functioning of universal proteases, enzymes that ensure the normal destruction and regeneration of lung tissue.

Other risk factors include excessive alcohol consumption, air pollution, infections of the respiratory system, generalized connective tissue disease, and certain work conditions (eg, exposure to dust, smoke, and chemicals).

The choice of occupation may also increase the risk of developing the disease. For example, mine and timber workers are often forced to breathe dust, which can lead to illness.

Early diagnosis of emphysema can significantly improve the patient’s prognosis and reduce the consequences of the disease. If there are risk factors, measures should be taken to minimize them and detect the disease early.

The main methods of treatment of pulmonary emphysema

The treatment of pulmonary emphysema is based on the elimination of provoking factors and the reduction of symptoms of the disease. It may include drug therapy and the use of special medical equipment.

• Bronchodilators: Bronchodilators improve breathing and help clear mucus. These can be medicines in the form of inhalation or tablets.
• Glucocorticosteroids: drugs that reduce inflammation in the lungs and bronchi, reduce swelling and airway congestion. They are used in the form of inhalations or intramuscular injections.
• Oxygen therapy: improves blood oxygenation, reduces shortness of breath and facilitates the removal of bronchial secretions. It is usually used for moderate and severe forms of the disease.
• Physiotherapy: includes breathing exercises, regular exercise and chest massage. These techniques help open the airways, improve blood oxygenation, and reduce shortness of breath.

When choosing treatment methods, the doctor takes into account the age, degree of disease, the presence of other health problems and the wishes of the patient. All measures are aimed at preventing the progression of the disease and improving the quality of life of the patient.

Drug therapy for emphysema

Drug therapy is an important component of the treatment of emphysema. Depending on the degree of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient, a different combination of drugs may be prescribed:

• Bronchodilators. Widens the airways, improves airflow and makes breathing easier. They are prescribed as inhalation preparations or in the form of tablets.
• Glucocorticosteroids. Reduce inflammation in the lungs, reduce tissue swelling and reduce the amount of secretion, which improves breathing.
• Mucolytics. Thins mucus, improves its expectoration, which helps to clear the lungs and reduce cough.
• Antibiotics. Used for complications caused by bacterial infection. They allow you to quickly and effectively fight infection and reduce the risk of complications.

Drug therapy is prescribed by a doctor, based on the results of the examination and the characteristics of the disease in each patient. It is important to strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations on the dosage and timing of taking the drugs in order to achieve the maximum effect of the treatment.

Inhalation therapy for pulmonary emphysema

Inhalation therapy is one of the treatments for pulmonary emphysema. It consists in inhaling drugs through a mask or a special inhaler. This method allows you to quickly deliver the drug to the lungs and increase the effectiveness of treatment.

Various drugs are used for inhalation therapy, for example, bronchodilators, cromoglycates, glucocorticosteroids and others. They help reduce inflammation and improve airway patency, which improves lung function.

Inhalation therapy can be carried out at home, but it is necessary to consult a doctor for advice on dosage and frequency of use of medicines. It is also necessary to monitor the cleanliness and proper use of the inhaler to avoid respiratory diseases.

Inhalation therapy is an effective treatment for emphysema and can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.

Oxygen therapy for patients with emphysema

Emphysema is a chronic disease that leads to destruction of the walls of the alveoli. This complicates the process of gas exchange and can cause oxygen deficiency in the patient. Oxygen therapy is one of the treatments used to relieve the symptoms of emphysema.

In oxygen therapy, patients use an oxygen mask or cannulas to help them breathe. Sometimes oxygen can be delivered through nasal catheters. The amount of oxygen needed depends on the severity of the disease. In addition, oxygen can be supplied to the home for use throughout the day if needed.

Oxygen therapy is a safe treatment for emphysema, but some patients may experience minor side effects. These effects may include dizziness, dry mouth, itching, skin irritation, and feeling hot.

Adequate use of oxygen therapy can significantly improve the quality of life of patients with emphysema. When oxygen is used in combination with other treatments, such as rehabilitation and medication, it can help slow the progression of the disease and improve the patient’s prognosis.

Physiotherapy for the improvement of pulmonary emphysema

Emphysema is a disease characterized by gradual destruction of lung tissue and deterioration of respiratory function. Physiotherapy is one of the methods of treatment for emphysema, aimed at reducing respiratory failure and improving the general condition of the patient.

Basic physiotherapy methods for pulmonary emphysema:

1. Breathing exercises. These are exercises that help improve breathing and expand lung capacity. They are carried out under the supervision of a doctor and are individually selected for each patient, depending on the degree of development of the disease.
2. Chest massage. It increases the efficiency of pulmonary ventilation, improves blood circulation and removes sputum from the lungs. Massage is carried out by a qualified massage therapist only as prescribed by a doctor.
3. Inhalation. This is a method of treatment when medicinal substances are introduced into the body through the respiratory tract. Inhalations help reduce inflammation in the lungs, reduce tissue swelling and dry air in the bronchi. Depending on the patient’s condition, the doctor may prescribe inhalations using various drugs.

Physiotherapy for emphysema is an effective treatment that helps improve patients’ quality of life and slow the progression of the disease. However, before starting physiotherapy, it is necessary to consult a doctor and conduct a comprehensive examination to determine the degree of development of emphysema and select the optimal treatment plan.

Surgery for emphysema

Lobectomy

A lobectomy is an operation in which part of the affected lung is removed. This method is used in cases where emphysema is concentrated in a specific area of ​​the lung. A lobectomy reduces the size of the affected lung, relieves pressure on healthy tissue, and improves the functioning of the respiratory system.

Bullectomy

Bullectomy is a technique that removes large air cysts that have formed in the tissues of the lung. This method allows you to reduce the amount of affected tissue, increase lung function and reduce pressure on healthy areas of the lung. At present, this method is rarely used.

Lung volume reduction

Lung volume reduction is an operation in which affected areas of the lung are removed in order to reduce their volume. This method can help patients with severe emifsema who cannot breathe at full lung capacity.

Lung transplant

Lung transplant may be recommended for patients with severe emphysema, possibly even on a suitable p🧘1012 onji). This is an extreme treatment that may be recommended when other methods have failed.

Q&A:

What is pulmonary emphysema?

Emphysema is a disease in which air fills the alveoli of the lungs but cannot escape, causing them to stretch and lose their elasticity.

What are the symptoms associated with emphysema?

The main symptom is shortness of breath, which worsens with exertion and may worsen over time. There may also be coughing, confused breathing, palpitations, dizziness, and weakness.

What diagnosis is needed to detect emphysema?

Diagnosis includes analysis of complaints and anamnesis of the patient, as well as laboratory and instrumental studies, such as radiography, computed tomography, plethysmography.

How can emphysema be treated?

Treatment of emphysema includes lifestyle changes, drugs (bronchodilators, glucocorticosteroids), oxygen therapy, vacuum exudative treatment, surgery to remove the affected tissue.

Can emphysema be prevented?

You can greatly reduce your risk of developing emphysema by following these simple tips: do not smoke and avoid exposure to toxic substances (including industrial pollution, strong odors, fuel combustion products), exercise regularly, eat right.

What is the prognosis for emphysema?

The prognosis depends on the degree of damage and the timeliness of treatment. In some cases, the disease can progress and lead to disability or death. However, with proper treatment and monitoring of the patient’s condition, it is possible to achieve stabilization of the disease and reduce the risk of its complications.

Prognosis for emphysema:

Prognosis for emphysema depends on many factors, including age, degree of lung involvement, complications, and timeliness of treatment.

In most cases, pulmonary emphysema progresses, which can lead to chronic oxygen deficiency in the body and exacerbate other diseases of organs and systems. However, with early detection and complex treatment, it is possible to slow down the progression of emphysema and improve the patient’s quality of life.

The prognosis also depends on the extent to which the patient adheres to recommendations for treatment and control of his condition.

Patients diagnosed with emphysema are advised to monitor their health, stop smoking and avoid contact with harmful substances and polluted air. Regular visits to the doctor, diet and exercise can also improve the prognosis of the disease.

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What is pulmonary emphysema – meds.ru

Emphysema is a pathological disease in which the alveolar part of the lungs is significantly enlarged and contains an excessive amount of a gas mixture with carbon dioxide. Occurs against the background of bronchial lesions, destroys the structure of the lungs, impairs blood circulation. Pathology leads to an increase in intrapulmonary pressure, which causes compression of the pulmonary artery. The heart experiences significant stress, which leads to respiratory failure.

Causes of the disease

There are diffuse and bullous emphysema. In the first case, the lung tissues are completely affected. In the second variant, the affected areas are interspersed with healthy ones. The probability of pathology development is increased by such factors:

• congenital anomalies;
• inhalation of toxic substances;
• smoking;
• disorder of microcirculation in alveolar tissue;
• history of chronic obstructive diseases;
• acute inflammation in the bronchi;
• occupational diseases accompanied by increased air pressure in the lungs.

Emphysema develops as an independent disease and as a complication of other pathological conditions. The disease is classified according to the degree of distribution:

• panlobular;
• centrilobular;
• perilobular;
• uneven;
• bullous.

Pulmonologists distinguish McLeod’s syndrome of unclear etiology, in which only one lung undergoes a pathological change.

Emphysema: symptoms

Irreversible destructive processes in the respiratory system are constantly progressing. This is expressed as:

• gradually increasing dyspnoea;
• attacks of suffocation;
• decreased breathing;
• decrease in blood pressure;
• reduced diaphragm movement;
• tachycardia;
• cardiac arrhythmia;
• fatigue;
• general weakness of the body;
• headache;
• changes in blood gases.

To make an accurate diagnosis, a therapist or pulmonologist performs percussion, auscultatory listening, prescribes X-ray of the lungs, computed tomography, spirometry, peak flowmetry, clinical blood gas analysis.

Treatment prospects and preventive measures

Therapy begins with the elimination of harmful influencing factors. The patient takes medications and inhalations for the rest of his life. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy shows a good effect. Surgical resection of a part of the lung tissue is used. If a donor is available, lung transplantation is possible to treat emphysema. The prognosis for patients receiving adequate timely therapy is favorable. Without effective treatment, destructive processes progress, which leads to disability and disability.

It is recommended to stop smoking, do breathing exercises, use medical oxygen masks.

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Useful information for patients

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  Silicosis is included in a number of occupational diseases of the respiratory system. This is one of the varieties of pneumoconiosis, which occurs from prolonged inhalation of industrial dust containing a high dose of free silicon dioxide.

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