Emphysema

What is emphysema?

Emphysema – a dangerous lung disease. It affects the alveoli (tiny air sacs), they are made of light. They must stretch, to fill the air, and then shrink, When you exhale, When the air comes out of the light. Emphysema causes a change of the walls light structures, that makes it difficult to inhale and exhale air.

Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Emphysema – causes

Emphysema causes damage of air bags in the lungs. This damage can cause the following reasons:

• Smoking;
• Inhaling toxins or other irritants;
• Deficiency of Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD) – genetic defect, that can lead to emphysema at a young age.

Risk factors of pulmonary emphysema

Emphysema occurs more often in people over 40 years. Other factors, that can increase the risk of emphysema include:

• Smoking;
• Prolonged or secondhand smoke;
• Family members with emphysema;
• Impact of pollutants on the work of the;
• Frequent lung infections in childhood.

Symptoms of emphysema

Early symptoms of emphysema include:

• Cough;
• Increased production of sputum (mucus from the lungs);
• Scarping breathing;
• Shortness of breath on exertion.

As the illness progresses, may occur:

• Enhanced shortness of breath;
• Hurried breathing;
• A feeling of suffocation when in horizontal position. Maybe, need to raise the head and chest during sleep, or sleep in a Chair;
• Fatigue;
• Problems with concentration;
• Increase the size of the thorax;
• An increased risk of serious lung infections;
• Problems with heart;
• Coughing up thick and/or bloody mucus;
• Weight loss;
• Breathing through tight lips;
• Desire to lean forward, to facilitate breathing.

Emphysema – diagnostics

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination.

To check the status of the light can be assigned the following tests:

• Pulmonary function tests, spirometry – to check the power of breathing;
• Arterial blood gas analysis, to check the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Doctor for more info pictures light may be required. For this purpose, applied:

• Chest X-ray;
• CT.

Emphysema – treatment

At the moment there are no treatments for emphysema. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Treatment options for emphysema may include one or a combination of the following options:

Smoking Cessation

Quitting smoking with emphysema lungs slows the disease. This is the most important part of treatment. There are many programs, that can help you quit smoking, including:

• Behavior modification program;
• Medication;
• A combination of behavior modification programs and medications.

Changing environment

Limit the number of irritants in the air, you breathe. This should help relieve breathing. Avoid smoke, dust, Smog, excessive heat or cold., and stay at high altitudes.

Medications to treat emphysema

Medicines, used to treat symptoms of emphysema, allow:

• Open airway;
• Relax the Airways;
• Reduce swelling of lung tissue;
• Cure lung infection with antibiotics.

Certain medicines may be administered in the form of tablets or liquids. Others are used as spray inhalation, and when inhaled are delivered directly into the lungs.

Vaccination

Influenza and pneumonia can worsen symptoms of emphysema. Do vaccinated against pneumonia and flu shot grippagrippa. Vaccine against influenza will help to reduce the intensity of asthma emphysema.

Oxygen therapy for emphysema of the lungs

Oxygen therapy can be useful, If the level of oxygen in the blood is too low. This will help relieve breathing problems and feel better. Maybe, take it only when performing specific activities, or it can be assigned throughout the day.

Exercises

Special exercises help strengthen the muscles of the chest. This will help improve breathing.

Regular physical activity can reduce the load on the lungs, improve endurance. Physical activity is also associated with improvements in quality of life. When performing the exercise programs follow a doctor.

Methods of breathing and coughing when emphysema

Special breathing techniques to help you breathe more air. They can also help improve the reduction of light and gas exchange in them. Effective methods of cough can also help clear the lungs of mucus. Ask, whether these techniques help you. The complex includes methods:

• Compression of the lips when breathing;
• Controlled coughing technique.

Food for emphysema

When emphysema lungs need to adhere to certain recommendations on diet:

• Eat a healthy diet, Low in saturated fat. The diet should also include fruit, vegetables and whole grain foods;
• Maintain a normal weight. Obesity causes strain on the lungs and heart;
• Try eating several small meals throughout the day, instead of simultaneous intake of large quantities of food;
• Eating don't rush, This will facilitate your breath;
• If you need to gain weight, then use them in small portions throughout the day. Consult with a nutritionist about, How many calories you need to take each day.

Changes in lifestyle with emphysema

To control symptoms of emphysema:

• Learn relaxation techniques and other methods, to cope with stress;
• Look for emotional support from professionals, family and friends. Anxiety can increase respiratory rate.

Operation with emphysema lungs

A small number of patients with emphysema may help surgical intervention. Options transactions include removal of part of the lung or lung transplantation.

Prevention of pulmonary emphysema

To reduce the risk of developing emphysema:

• If you smoke, be sure to throw;
• Avoid passive smoking;
• Avoid inhaling air pollution or irritating substances;
• Wear protective clothing when exposed to irritants or toxins at work.