Emphysema

Emphysema is one of the types of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). In emphysema, the air sacs in the lungs become damaged and stretched, making it progressively difficult to breathe. Generally, emphysema coexists with chronic bronchitis. Together, these two conditions are known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Symptoms of emphysema

The symptoms usually progress slowly. You may not notice them until they start to interfere with your daily activities. The primary symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath. At first, you may notice breathing difficulty only when you are performing physical activities. However, in advance emphysema, breathing difficulty may occur with minimal activity or even when you are at rest. Other symptoms of emphysema include:

• Cough with phlegm
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Reduced appetite
• Chest tightness
• Swelling of the ankles

Diagnosis

Your doctor will begin by taking your medical history and physical examination. He may also ask you if you smoke or you have had contact with lung irritants like secondhand smoke, dust, pollution or fumes. He may recommend tests to determine whether you have emphysema. These tests include:

Lung function tests

Spirometry is the most common lung function test. It involves blowing into a device to measure how much air your lung can breathe in and out and how well your lung delivers oxygen to blood.

Arterial blood gas test

It measures the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Chest X-Ray

Your healthcare provider may use x-ray to look for damage in your heart and lungs.

Cause of emphysema

The major cause of emphysema is cigarette smoking. Inhaling second hand smoke, dust and fumes also increases your risk of getting emphysema. In some countries, indoor smoke from cooking and heating may also contribute to emphysema. Having a family history of emphysema also increases the risk if you smoke.

In some patients, emphysema develops from an inherited disease known as alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. In this condition, body doesn’t produce enough Alpha-1 antitrypsin, an enzyme that protects the lungs from any damage.

Treatment of emphysema

There is no cure for emphysema. Treatment of emphysema aims to reduce symptoms and prevent complications. Smoking cessation is the most effective step in preventing further lung damage.

Bronchodilators

Bronchodilators are the main drugs used to relieve symptoms of emphysema. They help by opening the air passages in the lungs, making breathing easier and relieving coughing. Bronchodilators can be short-acting or long- acting. Short acting bronchodilators works quickly and are used when emphysema is mild. Long- acting bronchodilators are used every day and are prescribed in moderate or severe cases.

Steroids

Steroids reduces inflammation and shortness of breath. These are given as pills or as injections. However, long term use of steroids can cause side effects. Antibiotics- These are prescribed to fight infection that can make the condition worse such as pneumonia, acute bronchitis and flu.

Vaccination

Influenza and Pneumonia can cause serious problems in people with emphysema. So, vaccination against Influenza and pneumonia is highly recommended.

Pulmonary rehabilitation

It is a regular exercise program that may help you improve your symptoms. It may include breathing exercises, nutritional counseling, and psychological counseling.

Oxygen therapy

Oxygen therapy is recommended in severe cases. Some people may need oxygen all the time, while others may only need while performing physical activities.

Surgery

In some cases, people with severe emphysema may undergo surgery to reduce long volume. Lung reduction surgery is performed to remove small parts of the destroyed lungs. Lung transplantation is recommended if you have severe lung damage and all other options have failed.

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