How does emphysema affect the lungs. What are the primary causes of emphysema. How is emphysema diagnosed. What are the main treatment options for emphysema.

The Nature of Emphysema: A Closer Look at Lung Damage

Emphysema is a chronic lung condition that falls under the umbrella of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This progressive disorder significantly impacts the lungs’ ability to function properly, leading to breathing difficulties and reduced quality of life.

But what exactly happens within the lungs when emphysema develops? The condition primarily affects two crucial components of the respiratory system:

• Small airways (bronchioles)
• Air sacs (alveoli)

These structures lose their natural elasticity, becoming damaged and over-expanded. As a result, the lungs struggle to efficiently exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, leading to a cascade of respiratory issues.

The Mechanics of Breathing with Emphysema

Can you imagine trying to breathe through a straw that’s slowly collapsing? That’s somewhat similar to what individuals with emphysema experience. The damaged alveoli, resembling worn-out balloons, fail to contract properly during exhalation. This leads to air becoming trapped within the lungs, making it challenging for fresh, oxygen-rich air to enter.

The consequences of this impaired lung function are twofold:

1. Reduced oxygen supply to the bloodstream
2. Difficulty in expelling carbon dioxide

To compound matters, the blood vessels surrounding the alveoli also sustain damage, further hindering the vital process of gas exchange.

The Interplay Between Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis

Is emphysema an isolated condition? Not necessarily. Many individuals diagnosed with emphysema also experience chronic bronchitis, another form of COPD. This dual diagnosis can exacerbate breathing difficulties due to the following factors:

• Swollen and inflamed airways
• Excessive mucus production
• Narrowed air passages

The combination of emphysema and chronic bronchitis creates a formidable challenge for the respiratory system, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.

Unveiling the Primary Causes of Emphysema

Understanding the root causes of emphysema is crucial for both prevention and management of the condition. While the disease can have various triggers, certain factors stand out as primary culprits:

Tobacco Smoke: The Leading Cause

Why is smoking so detrimental to lung health? Cigarette smoke, whether first-hand or second-hand, contains a cocktail of harmful chemicals that can severely damage lung tissue over time. This includes:

• Cigarettes
• Pipes
• Cigars
• Other tobacco products

Even exposure to second-hand smoke in living or working environments can contribute to the development of emphysema.

Occupational Hazards and Environmental Factors

Beyond tobacco smoke, prolonged exposure to certain substances can increase the risk of emphysema:

• Coal dust and silica dust from mines or quarries
• Chemical fumes in industrial settings
• Paint fumes in workshops

Additionally, poorly ventilated homes where fuel is used for cooking or heating can expose individuals to harmful fumes, potentially leading to lung damage over time.

The Genetic Factor: Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

While less common, genetic factors can play a role in emphysema development. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited condition that can lead to a form of emphysema, even in individuals who have never smoked or been exposed to significant environmental pollutants.

Diagnosing Emphysema: A Multifaceted Approach

Accurate diagnosis of emphysema is crucial for effective management and treatment. Healthcare providers employ a variety of methods to assess lung function and overall health:

Comprehensive Medical History

Why is a detailed medical history important in diagnosing emphysema? It provides valuable context about potential risk factors, symptom duration, and family history. Typical questions may include:

• “How long have you experienced breathing difficulties?”
• “Does anyone in your family have a history of lung problems?”
• “Have you ever smoked or been exposed to second-hand smoke?”

Physical Examination

During a physical exam, healthcare providers pay close attention to:

• Skin color (which can indicate oxygen levels)
• Breath sounds during chest auscultation

Imaging Studies

While not definitive for diagnosing emphysema, imaging tests like chest X-rays can reveal valuable information about lung health and potential complications.

Pulmonary Function Tests: The Gold Standard

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are the most reliable method for diagnosing emphysema. These tests assess various aspects of lung function:

• Spirometry: Measures lung capacity and airflow
• Oxygen level tests: Evaluate oxygen saturation in the blood
• Exercise tests: Assess cardiovascular and respiratory response to physical activity

PFTs not only aid in diagnosis but also help monitor disease progression and treatment efficacy over time.

Treatment Strategies: Managing Emphysema Effectively

While emphysema is a progressive condition without a cure, various treatment options can significantly improve quality of life and slow disease progression. The approach to treatment is typically tailored to the individual, considering factors such as:

• Disease severity
• Daily habits and lifestyle
• Overall health status

Smoking Cessation: The Cornerstone of Treatment

Why is quitting smoking so crucial for individuals with emphysema? Smoking cessation is the single most effective intervention to slow disease progression and improve overall health outcomes. Healthcare providers can offer various resources and support programs to help patients quit smoking successfully.

Lifestyle Modifications for Better Lung Health

Beyond smoking cessation, several lifestyle changes can positively impact emphysema management:

• Regular exercise to improve cardiovascular health and lung function
• Breathing techniques to enhance respiratory efficiency
• Stress reduction strategies to minimize respiratory distress
• Nutritional improvements to support overall health

Pharmacological Interventions

Medication plays a vital role in managing emphysema symptoms and improving quality of life. Common types of medications include:

• Bronchodilators: To relax and open airways
• Inhaled corticosteroids: To reduce airway inflammation
• Combination inhalers: Combining bronchodilators and corticosteroids
• Antibiotics: To treat respiratory infections

Advanced Treatment Options for Severe Emphysema

For individuals with severe emphysema who do not respond adequately to standard treatments, additional interventions may be considered:

Oxygen Therapy

Supplemental oxygen can significantly improve quality of life for patients with advanced emphysema. It helps alleviate shortness of breath, improves sleep quality, and enhances overall energy levels.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

This comprehensive program combines exercise training, nutrition counseling, and education to help individuals with emphysema better manage their condition and improve their functional capacity.

Surgical Interventions

In select cases, surgical options may be considered:

• Lung volume reduction surgery: Removes damaged lung tissue to improve breathing efficiency
• Lung transplantation: Reserved for the most severe cases where other treatments have proven ineffective

Living with Emphysema: Strategies for Daily Management

While emphysema presents significant challenges, many individuals can maintain a good quality of life with proper management. Key strategies include:

Avoiding Triggers

Identifying and avoiding environmental triggers that exacerbate symptoms is crucial. This may include:

• Air pollution
• Strong odors
• Extreme temperatures
• Allergens

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

A balanced diet, regular exercise within one’s capabilities, and adequate rest all contribute to better overall health and improved symptom management.

Adhering to Treatment Plans

Consistently following prescribed medication regimens and attending follow-up appointments are essential for optimal disease management.

Utilizing Support Systems

Joining support groups or seeking counseling can provide valuable emotional support and practical advice for living with emphysema.

The Future of Emphysema Treatment: Emerging Therapies and Research

As medical science advances, new treatment options for emphysema are on the horizon. Ongoing research focuses on several promising areas:

Stem Cell Therapy

Can damaged lung tissue be regenerated? Scientists are exploring the potential of stem cells to repair and regenerate lung tissue affected by emphysema.

Gene Therapy

For individuals with genetic forms of emphysema, such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, gene therapy holds promise as a potential treatment approach.

Novel Drug Therapies

Researchers are continually working to develop new medications that can more effectively target the underlying mechanisms of emphysema and COPD.

Improved Delivery Systems

Advancements in inhaler technology and drug delivery systems aim to enhance the effectiveness of existing medications by improving their distribution within the lungs.

While these emerging therapies offer hope for the future, it’s important to note that they are still in various stages of research and development. Patients should work closely with their healthcare providers to stay informed about the latest treatment options and clinical trials that may be relevant to their specific condition.

Preventing Emphysema: Proactive Measures for Lung Health

While not all cases of emphysema can be prevented, particularly those with genetic components, many risk factors are modifiable. Taking proactive steps to protect lung health can significantly reduce the risk of developing emphysema:

Smoking Prevention and Cessation

Given that smoking is the leading cause of emphysema, avoiding tobacco use altogether is the most effective preventive measure. For current smokers, quitting as soon as possible can slow lung damage and reduce the risk of developing emphysema.

Occupational Safety

Individuals working in environments with potential lung irritants should:

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Ensure proper ventilation in the workplace
• Follow safety guidelines and regulations

Environmental Awareness

Being mindful of air quality and taking steps to reduce exposure to pollutants can help protect lung health. This includes:

• Monitoring air quality reports
• Using air purifiers in the home
• Avoiding outdoor activities during high pollution days

Regular Health Check-ups

Routine medical check-ups, including lung function tests for those at higher risk, can help detect early signs of emphysema or other respiratory conditions.

Maintaining Overall Health

A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management can contribute to better lung health and overall resilience against respiratory diseases.

By understanding the nature of emphysema, its causes, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, individuals can take informed steps to protect their lung health or manage existing conditions effectively. While emphysema presents significant challenges, ongoing research and improvements in treatment strategies offer hope for better outcomes and quality of life for those affected by this chronic lung condition.

Pulmonary Emphysema | Respiratory Care

Pulmonary [PULL-mon-air-ee] emphysema [em-fuh-SEE-muh] is when the small airways in the lungs become damaged, making it harder for you to push air out and breathe fresh air in. It is a type of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder). With emphysema, the small airways (bronchioles [BRONG-kee-ohlz]) and air sacs (alveoli [al-VEE-oh-ly]) are damaged and lose their normal elasticity. Like worn-out balloons, the alveoli become over-expanded. They don’t contract to push air out as easily when you breathe out. Inhaled air tends to stay trapped inside, and fresh air has a hard time getting in. This limits the amount of oxygen going into your bloodstream, and keeps carbon dioxide from leaving. These problems are made worse because the blood vessels around the alveoli are also damaged.

People with emphysema often have chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is another type of COPD. The airways in your lungs become swollen and inflamed, and produce too much mucus. The swelling and mucus narrow the airways and make it hard to breathe.

The lung damage that happens with emphysema can’t be fixed, and the disease can’t be cured. But you can do a lot to reduce your symptoms and improve your life.

See a doctor anytime you have shortness of breath or any other symptoms similar to emphysema. It is important to confirm or rule out a diagnosis right away. If you have emphysema, the sooner you get treatment and avoid is the things that irritate your lungs, the less damage you will have.

Most people get emphysema after many years of breathing in a something that damages the lungs and airways:

• Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of COPD, including emphysema. Smoking a pipe, cigar, or anything else can also cause it. Even second-hand smoke — exposure from smokers you live or work with — can be a factor.
• Dust from a mine or quarry (like coal dust and sillica dust) or chemical fumes from a factory or paint shop can also cause lung damage over time.
• Fumes from the fuel used for daily cooking or heating can damage your lungs if your home is poorly ventilated.
• Heredity can also play a role. People with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, for example, have an inherited form of emphysema.

Before diagnosing emphysema, your healthcare provider will assess your lungs and overall health by:

• Asking about your medical history. Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms (“How long have you had this problem?”), your family history (“Does anyone in your family have this problem?”), and your lifestyle (“Have you ever smoked?”). Your answers will help your healthcare provider understand more about what may be causing the breathing problem or making it worse.
• Doing a physical exam. Your healthcare provider will look at your skin color and listen to your chest as you breathe.
• Ordering imaging tests. Imaging tests (such as a chest x-ray) allow your healthcare provider to see what may be happening inside your chest and lungs. The images can’t be used to diagnose emphysema, but they may reveal other problems such as a lung infection.
• Performing lung function tests (pulmonary function tests, or PFTs). Lung function tests are the only way to diagnose emphysema. They’re also used to see your response to treatment and measure your condition over time. Common lung function tests are:
• Breathing tests to measure how well your lungs are working. The simplest breathing test is spirometry, which can be done in your doctor’s office or in a hospital. Your doctor may also order more complex lung tests to get additional information about your lungs.
• Oxygen level tests to see how well your lungs get oxygen to your bloodstream. Pulse oximetry uses a special light clipped to your finger to measure oxygen in your blood. An arterial blood gas test measures the oxygen in a sample of blood from your artery.
• Exercise tests, which are sometimes combined with tests of your oxygen level, like the 6-minute walk test. These tests help your doctor know how your heart and lungs respond to the stress of physical activity. They can also help your doctor determine the severity of your condition.

Treatment for emphysema depends on the severity of your disease, your daily habits, and your overall health. Generally, treatment includes:

• Quitting smoking. This is the most important thing you can do to improve your overall health. Ask your healthcare provider for information on programs that can help you kick the habit.
• Other daily lifestyle changes, such as exercising, practicing breathing techniques, lowering stress, and eating well. Your healthcare team can give you a plan to help you care for yourself at home.
• Medicine. Nearly everyone with COPD can be helped by medicine. COPD medicines include:
• Quick-relief (“rescue”) medicines that you inhale to help you breathe better right away
• Maintenance medicines that help control symptoms and prevent them from getting worse
• Oxygen therapy. If your emphysema is mild, you may not need oxygen. Yet as it progresses, oxygen can be vital for helping you feel better and stay active. Studies have shown that oxygen therapy can extend your life, as well.
• Surgery. A small number of people with emphysema may be helped by lung volume reduction surgery. This surgery removes damaged lung tissue and creates more space for the diaphragm to move and help pull air into the lungs. Lung transplant may also be an option for treatment of severe COPD.

If you smoke or have regular contact with a lung irritant (such as airborne gases or dust, fumes, or smoke) then you’re at risk for COPD. To prevent COPD, you must:

• Stop smoking
• Avoid lung irritants, including second-hand smoke

Complete avoidance — quitting, not just cutting back — is the only way to prevent irreversible lung damage.

Emphysema takes many years to develop, and in its early stages you may not notice symptoms. These are the symptoms you will notice first:

• Coughing and shortness of breath, especially when you’re active
• Mucus with your cough
• Chronic wheezing (a faint whistling sound when you breathe)

As it worsens, you may also have these symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Swollen ankles
• Poor concentration due to the low oxygen and high carbon dioxide levels in your body

COPD symptoms tend to sneak up on people. Without being aware of it, people with COPD gradually do less and less, limiting their daily activity so they can avoid becoming out of breath. Most people only seek medical help later in life, at age 50 or older, when their breathing problems are hard to ignore.

© 2018 Intermountain Healthcare. All rights reserved. The content presented here is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and it should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. 

Copyright ©2023, Intermountain Health, All rights reserved.

Emphysema | Beacon Health System

Overview

Emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath. In people with emphysema, the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) are damaged. Over time, the inner walls of the air sacs weaken and rupture — creating larger air spaces instead of many small ones. This reduces the surface area of the lungs and, in turn, the amount of oxygen that reaches your bloodstream.

When you exhale, the damaged alveoli don’t work properly and old air becomes trapped, leaving no room for fresh, oxygen-rich air to enter.

Most people with emphysema also have chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is inflammation of the tubes that carry air to your lungs (bronchial tubes), which leads to a persistent cough.

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are two conditions that make up chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Treatment may slow the progression of COPD, but it can’t reverse the damage.

Symptoms

You can have emphysema for many years without noticing any signs or symptoms. The main symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath, which usually begins gradually.

You may start avoiding activities that cause you to be short of breath, so the symptom doesn’t become a problem until it starts interfering with daily tasks. Emphysema eventually causes shortness of breath even while you’re at rest.

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you’ve had unexplained shortness of breath for several months, especially if it’s getting worse or it’s interfering with your daily activities. Don’t ignore it by telling yourself it’s because you’re aging or out of shape. Seek immediate medical attention if:

• You’re so short of breath, you can’t climb stairs
• Your lips or fingernails turn blue or gray with exertion
• You’re not mentally alert

Causes

The main cause of emphysema is long-term exposure to airborne irritants, including:

• Tobacco smoke
• Marijuana smoke
• Air pollution
• Chemical fumes and dust

Rarely, emphysema is caused by an inherited deficiency of a protein that protects the elastic structures in the lungs. It’s called alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency emphysema.

Risk factors

Factors that increase your risk of developing emphysema include:

• Smoking. Emphysema is most likely to develop in cigarette smokers, but cigar and pipe smokers also are susceptible. The risk for all types of smokers increases with the number of years and amount of tobacco smoked.
• Age. Although the lung damage that occurs in emphysema develops gradually, most people with tobacco-related emphysema begin to experience symptoms of the disease between the ages of 40 and 60.
• Exposure to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke, also known as passive or environmental tobacco smoke, is smoke that you inadvertently inhale from someone else’s cigarette, pipe or cigar. Being around secondhand smoke increases your risk of emphysema.
• Occupational exposure to fumes or dust. If you breathe fumes from certain chemicals or dust from grain, cotton, wood or mining products, you’re more likely to develop emphysema. This risk is even greater if you smoke.
• Exposure to indoor and outdoor pollution. Breathing indoor pollutants, such as fumes from heating fuel, as well as outdoor pollutants — car exhaust, for instance — increases your risk of emphysema.

Complications

People who have emphysema are also more likely to develop:

• Collapsed lung (pneumothorax). A collapsed lung can be life-threatening in people who have severe emphysema, because the function of their lungs is already so compromised. This is uncommon but serious when it occurs.
• Heart problems. Emphysema can increase the pressure in the arteries that connect the heart and lungs. This can cause a condition called cor pulmonale, in which a section of the heart expands and weakens.
• Large holes in the lungs (bullae). Some people with emphysema develop empty spaces in the lungs called bullae. They can be as large as half the lung. In addition to reducing the amount of space available for the lung to expand, giant bullae can increase your risk of pneumothorax.

Prevention

To prevent emphysema, don’t smoke and avoid breathing secondhand smoke. Wear a mask to protect your lungs if you work with chemical fumes or dust.

Diagnosis

To determine if you have emphysema, your doctor will ask about your medical history and do a physical exam. Your doctor may recommend a variety of tests.

Imaging tests

A chest X-ray can help support a diagnosis of advanced emphysema and rule out other causes of shortness of breath. But the chest X-ray can also show normal findings if you have emphysema.

Computerized tomography (CT) scans combine X-ray images taken from many different directions to create cross-sectional views of internal organs. CT scans can be useful for detecting and diagnosing emphysema. You may also have a CT scan if you’re a candidate for lung surgery.

Lab tests

Blood taken from an artery in your wrist can be tested to determine how well your lungs transfer oxygen into, and remove carbon dioxide from, your bloodstream.

Lung function tests

These noninvasive tests measure how much air your lungs can hold and how well the air flows in and out of your lungs. They can also measure how well your lungs deliver oxygen to your bloodstream. One of the most common tests uses a simple instrument called a spirometer, which you blow into.

Treatment

Emphysema and COPD can’t be cured, but treatments can help relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

Medications

Depending upon the severity of your symptoms, your doctor might suggest:

• Bronchodilators. These drugs can help relieve coughing, shortness of breath and breathing problems by relaxing constricted airways.
• Inhaled steroids. Corticosteroid drugs inhaled as aerosol sprays reduce inflammation and may help relieve shortness of breath.
• Antibiotics. If you have a bacterial infection, like acute bronchitis or pneumonia, antibiotics are appropriate.

Therapy

• Pulmonary rehabilitation. A pulmonary rehabilitation program can teach you breathing exercises and techniques that may help reduce your breathlessness and improve your ability to exercise.
• Nutrition therapy. You’ll also receive advice about proper nutrition. In the early stages of emphysema, many people need to lose weight, while people with late-stage emphysema often need to gain weight.
• Supplemental oxygen. If you have severe emphysema with low blood oxygen levels, using oxygen regularly at home and when you exercise may provide some relief. Many people use oxygen 24 hours a day. It’s usually administered via narrow tubing that fits into your nostrils.

Surgery

Depending on the severity of your emphysema, your doctor may suggest one or more different types of surgery, including:

• Lung volume reduction surgery. In this procedure, surgeons remove small wedges of damaged lung tissue. Removing the diseased tissue helps the remaining lung tissue expand and work more efficiently and helps improve breathing.
• Lung transplant. Lung transplantation is an option if you have severe lung damage and other options have failed.

Lifestyle and home remedies

If you have emphysema, you can take a number of steps to halt its progression and to protect yourself from complications:

• Stop smoking. This is the most important measure you can take for your overall health and the only one that might halt the progression of emphysema. Join a smoking cessation program if you need help giving up smoking. As much as possible, avoid secondhand smoke.
• Avoid other respiratory irritants. These include fumes from paint and automobile exhaust, some cooking odors, certain perfumes, even burning candles and incense. Change furnace and air conditioner filters regularly to limit pollutants.
• Exercise regularly. Try not to let your breathing problems keep you from getting regular exercise, which can significantly increase your lung capacity.
• Protect yourself from cold air. Cold air can cause spasms of the bronchial passages, making it even more difficult to breathe. During cold weather, wear a soft scarf or a cold-air mask — available from a pharmacy — over your mouth and nose before going outside, to warm the air entering your lungs.
• Get recommended vaccinations. Be sure to get an annual flu shot and pneumonia vaccinations as advised by your doctor.
• Prevent respiratory infections. Do your best to avoid direct contact with people who have a cold or the flu. If you have to mingle with large groups of people during cold and flu season, wear a face mask, wash your hands frequently and carry a small bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer to use when needed.

Coping and support

The shortness of breath associated with emphysema can severely limit your ability to participate in daily activities. Many people become withdrawn and depressed.

To help you cope with the changes emphysema has made in your life, you might want to:

• Express your feelings. Your emphysema may limit some of your activities and affect your family’s plans and routines in ways you can’t always anticipate. If you and your family can talk openly about each other’s needs, you’ll be better able to meet the challenges of living with this disease. Be alert to changes in your mood and your relations with others, and don’t be afraid to seek counseling.
• Consider a support group. You may also want to consider joining a support group for people with emphysema. Although support groups aren’t for everyone, they can be a good source of information and coping strategies. And it can be encouraging to spend time with other people in circumstances similar to yours. If you’re interested in a support group, talk to your doctor or check the American Lung Association’s website for local and online support groups.

Preparing for an appointment

Your first appointment to check for emphysema may be with your primary doctor or with a specialist in lung diseases (pulmonologist).

What you can do

Before your appointment, you might want to write a list that answers the following questions:

• Do you smoke? If so, how many packs a day and when did you start?
• Are you exposed to the smoke of other smokers?
• Have any of your jobs exposed you to chemical fumes or industrial dust?
• Does anyone else in your family have lung problems?
• What medications and supplements do you take regularly?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask some of the following questions:

• Do you cough every day? If so, when did that start?
• If you smoke, have you tried to quit?
• When did you first notice shortness of breath?
• Does anyone in your family have emphysema or COPD?
• Does shortness of breath keep you from completing daily tasks?
• Have you ever noticed your fingernails or lips turning blue?
• Have you recently gained or lost weight?

Last Updated: April 28th, 2017

© 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.
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Treatment of pulmonary emphysema in leading centers and clinics in Israel

➤ Treatment of pulmonary emphysema in Israel ➤ 7 clinics Addresses $ Prices for treatment ☺ 66 reviews ✎ Book an appointment ✉ 6,280 patients sent for treatment

Every year emphysema adds up to 170 million people all over the planet. 70 – 75% of them are workers in hazardous industries and smokers. This disease is not easy to treat and up to 7% of patients die from it. And the percentage of complete healing from this pulmonary disease is only 23-25%.

People who are far from medicine sometimes have no idea what emphysema is. And why burden yourself with unnecessary knowledge? And only when such a diagnosis is made to someone close, questions and searches for a solution begin, what kind of illness it is and what it threatens.

Under emphysema understand the pathological condition of the lung tissue, its overextension in the distal parts, namely, in the alveoli. As a result, the lungs seem to “swell”, which is clearly visible on the x-ray. Treatment consists in adequate therapy of the underlying ailment, since emphysema is mostly secondary.

We found 7 clinics specializing in emphysema with cumulative rating

The clinic is certified:

The best choice! Because all the star doctors have their private practice here

Clinic Assuta specialized on treatment emphysema

Tel Aviv, Israel

36
reviews

Cost of consultation from
– 530 $

Assuta Clinic has been operating for more than 80 years, and during this time branches have appeared throughout the country. Today Assuta is a network of clinics that includes two diagnostic centers (Ashdod and Ranaan), a central hospital in the capital of Israel …

Leading directions:

Oncology
, Orthopedics
, Cardiology
, Neurology
, IVF
, Urology and Nephrology
, Gastroenterology
, Neurosurgery

Cost of consultation from
530 $

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+7 49 9404 0751

(for free)

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Worthy alternative!

Hadassah Medical Center specialized on treatment emphysema

Jerusalem, Israel

eleven
reviews

Cost of consultation from
— 430 $

Hadassah Medical Center – honorary member of the American Hospital Association (American Hospital Association), nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
The center is known worldwide for its large number of medical research and …

Leading directions:

Oncology
, Orthopedics
, Cardiology
, Hematology and oncohematology
, Neurology
, Ophthalmology
, Endocrinology
, Urology and Nephrology
, Venereal diseases
, Childbirth
, Dentistry
, Neurosurgery
, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Cost of consultation from
430 $

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+7 49 9404 0751

(for free)

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Clinic certified:

Rambam medical center specialized on treatment emphysema

Haifa, Israel

6
reviews

Even taking into account the fact that medicine in Israel is considered one of the most developed in the world, not all clinics in this country can boast such first-class technical equipment and a staff of highly professional specialists who . ..

Leading directions:

Pulmonology
, Oncology
, Surgery
, Cardiology
, Neurology
, Ophthalmology
, Pediatrics
, Endocrinology
, ENT diseases, Otolaryngology
, Plastic surgery

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+7 49 9404 0751

(for free)

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Clinic certified:

Yitzhak Rabin Medical Center specialized on treatment emphysema

Petah Tikva, Israel

4
recall

Yitzhak Rabin Medical Center – one of the TOP 3 clinics in Israel. An annual budget of more than $500 million makes expert-class equipment available to patients, including 7 state-of-the-art accelerators in the radiotherapy department, Ingenia 3T MRI . ..

Leading directions:

Oncology
, Orthopedics
, Surgery
, Cardiology
, Ophthalmology
, IVF
, Childbirth

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+7 49 9404 0751

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Clinic certified:

Sarah Herzog Medical Center specialized on treatment emphysema

Jerusalem, Israel

0
reviews

Sarah Herzog Medical Center, located in Jerusalem, is one of the country’s leading public medical institutions specializing in the study, treatment and prevention of a wide range of age-related diseases, mental health disorders …

Leading directions:

Pulmonology
, Psychiatry
, Rehabilitation
, Diagnosis

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Clinic certified:

Hospital them. Chaima Shiba specialized on treatment emphysema

Ramat Gan, Israel

6
reviews

Leading directions:

Pulmonology
, Oncology
, Orthopedics
, Surgery
, Cardiology
, Hematology and oncohematology
, Neurology
, IVF
, Pediatrics
, Endocrinology
, Immunology
, Childbirth
, Neurosurgery
, Proctology

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+7 49 9404 0751

(for free)

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Clinic certified:

Medical center Baruch Padé Poriya specialized on treatment emphysema

Tiberias, Israel

3
recall

In terms of modern equipment and quality of treatment, the clinic is not inferior to the largest medical centers in the country. The complex is one of the five best public hospitals in the country and has been accredited by JCI (international …

Leading directions:

Oncology
, Nephrology
, Obstetrics and gynecology
, Cardiac surgery

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+7 49 9404 0751

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Russian-speaking consultant

Pay attention to other 7 clinics in Israel that work and help patients in the direction of Pulmonology

One of the best international clinics for the treatment of oncological diseases.

Paul
Feb 21 2022

Hello everyone. I just came from this hospital and I dream: “If only all hospitals were like this.” Honestly, this is the best thing I have ever seen in my life, trust me, I have seen a lot. Firstly, the ideal organization of staff and doctors, everyone enjoys their work and therefore does it perfectly. The hospitality is also top notch, I was in a really critical situation and I was nervous and angry at everyone but these people working here! They not only help to treat diseases physically, but also psychologically. In general, if you think about which hospital deserves the time and money spent, there is only one answer: “Istinye University Hospital!”. Peace to you.

Babur
Nov 25 2021

I am from Ingushetia, I was treated for tuberculosis for 1 year. And after they did a CT scan, they said that there is a seal where there were holes. Weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath. Please tell me how much examination and treatment cost in your hospital. At least approximately the amount approximately, in order to know how much to calculate

Fatima
27 Apr. 2018

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Amir Onn

Klaus SchildAmir Onn

Smoker’s lungs “magically” regenerate when quitting

• Jace Gallagher
• BBC Science Correspondent

January 30, 2020

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Image copyright Getty Images

Your lungs have an almost magical ability to cure cancer-causing mutations caused by smoking, scientists say. But only if you quit smoking.

Mutations leading to lung cancer were considered permanent, remaining forever even in ex-smokers who no longer smoke cigarettes.

However, unexpected results of a study published in the journal Nature suggest that the few cells that remain intact are able to restore the lungs.

This effect was observed even in patients who smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for 40 years before quitting.

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Chemical elements contained in tobacco destroy the DNA of lung cells, which eventually mutates, slowly turning them from healthy to carcinogenic.

Studies have shown that this occurs in the lungs of a smoker even before the onset of cancer.

Image copyright Getty Images

Most of the cells taken from the respiratory tract of smokers mutated under the influence of tobacco. Such cells contain up to 10 thousand genetic changes.

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“It’s like time bombs waiting for the next hit to start cancer,” says Dr Keith Gowers, a researcher at University College London (UCL).

But a small part of the cells remains intact.

It is unclear how these cells avoid the genetic mutations caused by smoking. The researchers say they seem to “exist in a nuclear bunker.”

But when a smoker stops smoking, it is these cells that begin to grow and replace the damaged cells in the lungs.

In people who quit smoking, up to 40% of the cells in the lungs can look exactly the same as in people who have never smoked.

“We were totally unprepared for this discovery,” Sanger Institute researcher Peter Campbell told the BBC.

“There are a certain number of cells that somehow magically repair the airways,” he says.

“Remarkable examples are patients who quit after 40 years of smoking, and they began to regenerate cells that were not damaged by tobacco in any way,” the scientist notes.