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. Can emphysema be prevented. How does emphysema impact quality of life.

Understanding Emphysema: A Comprehensive Overview

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 damage leads to a reduction in the lungs’ ability to effectively exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, resulting in breathing difficulties and other respiratory issues.

What Causes Emphysema?

The primary causes of emphysema include:

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

Understanding these causes is crucial for both prevention and management of the condition. While smoking cessation is the most effective way to prevent emphysema, reducing exposure to environmental pollutants can also play a significant role in lowering risk.

The Impact of Emphysema on Lung Structure and Function

To comprehend how emphysema affects breathing, it’s essential to understand the structure of healthy lungs. The lungs consist of a complex network of airways, including the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles, which ultimately lead to tiny air sacs called alveoli. These alveoli are surrounded by capillaries, allowing for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and bloodstream.

In emphysema, repeated exposure to irritants causes inflammation and damage to the airways and alveoli. This results in:

• Loss of elasticity in the airways
• Thickening and swelling of air passages
• Destruction of alveoli walls
• Reduced number of functional capillaries

These changes lead to narrowed airways, trapped air in the lungs, and decreased oxygen exchange capacity. Consequently, individuals with emphysema must work harder to breathe and may experience chronic shortness of breath.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Emphysema

Identifying the symptoms of emphysema early can lead to better management and improved quality of life. The most common symptoms include:

1. Breathlessness, initially with exertion and progressing to constant breathlessness in advanced stages
2. Increased susceptibility to chest infections
3. Chronic cough, often accompanied by phlegm production
4. Fatigue
5. Barrel-shaped chest (due to lung hyperinflation)
6. Cyanosis (bluish tinge to the skin) in severe cases

It’s important to note that symptoms may develop gradually over time, and individuals might not notice significant changes until substantial lung damage has occurred. This underscores the importance of regular check-ups and lung function tests, especially for those at higher risk.

Diagnosing Emphysema: Tools and Techniques

Accurate diagnosis of emphysema is crucial for appropriate management. Healthcare professionals use a combination of methods to diagnose the condition:

Spirometry: The Primary Diagnostic Tool

Spirometry is the main lung function test used to diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including emphysema. This test measures how much air you can inhale and exhale, as well as how quickly you can empty your lungs. It helps assess the severity of airflow limitation and can track changes in lung function over time.

Additional Diagnostic Methods

Other tests that may be employed in the diagnosis of emphysema include:

• Additional lung function tests to assess lung volumes and diffusion capacity
• Chest X-rays to visualize lung structure and identify any abnormalities
• CT scans for a more detailed view of the lungs, helping to detect emphysema in its early stages
• Blood tests to check oxygen levels and rule out other conditions

These diagnostic tools help healthcare providers determine the presence and severity of emphysema, guiding treatment decisions and management strategies.

Comprehensive Treatment Approaches for Emphysema

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 includes:

Smoking Cessation: The Cornerstone of Treatment

Quitting smoking is the most crucial step in treating emphysema. It can slow the progression of the disease and improve overall lung function. Healthcare providers may recommend nicotine replacement therapy, medications, or counseling to support smoking cessation efforts.

Medications for Symptom Management

Several types of medications can help manage emphysema symptoms:

• Bronchodilators to relax and open airways
• Inhaled corticosteroids to reduce airway inflammation
• Antibiotics to treat respiratory infections
• Mucolytics to help loosen and clear mucus

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs

These comprehensive programs offer a combination of education, exercise training, nutrition advice, and counseling. They aim to improve physical and psychological well-being, enhance exercise capacity, and teach strategies for managing breathlessness.

Oxygen Therapy

For individuals with advanced emphysema and low blood oxygen levels, supplemental oxygen can improve quality of life, exercise tolerance, and sleep quality.

Surgical Interventions

In severe cases, surgical options may be considered:

• Lung volume reduction surgery to remove damaged lung tissue
• Bullectomy to remove large air spaces (bullae) from the lungs
• Lung transplantation for end-stage emphysema

The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the condition, overall health status, and individual patient factors. A personalized approach, developed in consultation with healthcare providers, is essential for optimal management.

Preventing Emphysema: Strategies for Lung Health

While not all cases of emphysema are preventable, several strategies can significantly reduce the risk of developing the condition:

Avoiding Tobacco Smoke

The most effective prevention strategy is to avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. For current smokers, quitting is crucial to prevent further lung damage and slow disease progression.

Protecting Against Environmental Pollutants

Minimizing exposure to air pollution, industrial dust, and chemical fumes can help protect lung health. This may involve using protective equipment in certain work environments or improving indoor air quality.

Regular Exercise and Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and stress management can support overall lung health and improve the body’s ability to fight respiratory infections.

Vaccinations

Staying up-to-date with vaccinations, particularly against influenza and pneumococcal disease, can help prevent respiratory infections that may exacerbate emphysema symptoms.

By implementing these preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing emphysema and maintain better lung health throughout their lives.

Living with Emphysema: Coping Strategies and Quality of Life

Emphysema can significantly impact an individual’s daily life, but with proper management and coping strategies, many people can maintain a good quality of life. Here are some approaches to consider:

Adapting Daily Activities

Learning energy conservation techniques and pacing oneself during daily activities can help manage breathlessness and fatigue. This might involve breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps or using assistive devices to reduce physical exertion.

Maintaining a Healthy Diet

Proper nutrition is crucial for individuals with emphysema. A balanced diet can help maintain a healthy weight, provide energy, and support the immune system. In some cases, working with a dietitian to develop a personalized nutrition plan may be beneficial.

Stress Management

Chronic respiratory conditions can be stressful. Implementing stress reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies can help improve overall well-being and potentially reduce symptom exacerbations.

Building a Support Network

Connecting with others who have emphysema through support groups or online communities can provide emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community. Family and friends can also play a crucial role in providing support and understanding.

Ongoing Monitoring and Communication with Healthcare Providers

Regular check-ups and open communication with healthcare providers are essential for managing emphysema effectively. This allows for timely adjustments to treatment plans and early intervention if complications arise.

By adopting these strategies and working closely with healthcare professionals, individuals with emphysema can often maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle despite the challenges posed by the condition.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Emphysema Treatment

The field of emphysema research is dynamic, with ongoing studies exploring new treatment approaches and potential breakthroughs. Some areas of current interest include:

Stem Cell Therapy

Researchers are investigating the potential of stem cells to regenerate damaged lung tissue. While still in experimental stages, this approach could potentially offer new hope for repairing emphysema-related lung damage.

Targeted Molecular Therapies

Scientists are working on developing medications that target specific molecular pathways involved in lung inflammation and tissue destruction. These therapies aim to slow disease progression more effectively than current treatments.

Improved Inhaler Technologies

Advancements in inhaler design and drug delivery systems are ongoing, with the goal of improving medication efficacy and ease of use for patients with emphysema and other respiratory conditions.

Gene Therapy

For individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic cause of emphysema, gene therapy approaches are being explored to correct the underlying genetic defect.

Artificial Intelligence in Diagnosis and Management

The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in medical imaging and patient monitoring could lead to earlier diagnosis and more personalized treatment strategies for emphysema.

While these areas of research offer exciting possibilities for the future, it’s important to note that many are still in early stages and require further study before becoming widely available treatment options. However, they underscore the ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for individuals living with emphysema and other chronic lung diseases.

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

• Silicosis: a common occupational respiratory disease

  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.

• Secondary and primary pulmonary hypertension

  Pulmonary arterial hypertension develops gradually, in the initial stages of the disease, blood circulation in the lungs gradually worsens. Fatigue gradually accumulates, cardiac activity becomes more difficult.

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• What is dangerous pneumosclerosis

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• What are the types of alveolitis

  The name alveolitis refers to a group of inflammatory diseases occurring in the respiratory section of the lung and affecting the alveoli.