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EmphysemaPronounced: em-fiss-SEE-mah
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionEmphysema is a problem with the tiny air sacs of the lungs. These sacs should stretch to fill with air and get smaller as air moves out of the lungs. Emphysema is when the air sacs are damaged. It makes it hard to breathe. Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
CausesDamage to the air sacs may be caused by:
Risk FactorsEmphysema is more common in people over 40 years old. Other things that may raise your risk are:
SymptomsEarly symptoms include:
Later symptoms may be:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. Your doctor will need to test how how well your lungs are working. This may be done with:
Your doctor may also need to look at pictures of your lungs. This may be done with: TreatmentThere is no cure. Your doctor will focus on helping you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Treatment may be: Stop SmokingQuitting smoking slows the disease. It is a critical part of treatment. There are many things that can help:
Breathe Clean AirLimit the number of irritants in the air you breathe. Avoid smoke, dust, smog, extreme heat or cold, and high altitudes. MedicationThese medicines may be used:
Some medicines may be taken as pills or liquids. Others are inhaled medicines that are delivered directly to the lungs. VaccinesThe flu and pneumonia can make your symptoms worse. Get vaccinated against pneumonia and the flu. The flu vaccine may also reduce flare-ups. OxygenOxygen therapy may be helpful if the oxygen levels in your blood are too low. It can help you breathe and improve your level of energy. You may only need it for specific activities or it may be given throughout the day. ExerciseSpecial exercises can strengthen chest muscles. This can make it easier to breathe. Regular physical activity can improve how your body uses oxygen. It can reduce workload on your lungs. Breathing and Coughing MethodsSpecial methods of breathing can help bring more air into the lungs. They can also help force trapped air out of the lungs. Coughing methods can also help clear mucus. Ask your doctor if these methods can help you. Some examples include:
Weight ManagementExcess weight causes the lungs and heart to work harder, which they are already doing because of emphysema. For some people, the extra work of breathing can make eating enough food difficult. This can result in weight loss. A dietitian may be needed to help with weight management. Stress ManagementEmphysema can be stressful. Therapists, support groups, and family members and friends can provide support. Relaxation methods can also help. SurgeryA small number of people may benefit from surgery. Part of the lung may be removed. This will let healthier areas open. A lung transplant may be an option. A healthy, donor lung will be placed. It will require lifelong medicine. PreventionTo prevent emphysema:
RESOURCES:American College of Chest Physicians http://www.chestnet.org American Lung Association http://www.lung.org References:COPD. American Lung Association website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed May 10, 2020.
COPD. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115557/COPD
. Accessed May 10, 2020.
COPD. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed May 10, 2020. COPD and asthma. National Lung Health Education Program website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed May 10, 2020. Emphysema. American Lung Association website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed May 10, 2020. Petrache I, Diab K, Knox KS, et al. HIV associated pulmonary emphysema: A review of the literature and inquiry into its mechanism.
Thorax.
2008;63(5):463-469. Last reviewed May 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD Last Updated: 05/10/2020 | |