EMPHYSEMA
Causes
Treatment
Symptoms and Signs
What Is Emphysema
Emphysema is included in a group of diseases called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD (pulmonary refers to the lungs)
Emphysema is called an obstructive lung disease because airflow on exhalation is slowed or stopped because over-inflated alveoli do not exchange gases when a person breaths due to little or no movement of gases out of the alveoli.
A long-term, progressive disease of the lungs that primarily causes shortness of breath due to over-inflation of the alveoli (air sacs in the lung)
Tobacco smoke
Chemical fumes and dust
Air pollution
Marijuana smoke
Shortness of breath is the most common symptom of emphysema.
Cough, sometimes caused by the production of mucus, and wheezing
tolerance for exercise decreases over time.
The person with emphysema struggles to exhale completely
Stop smoking:
Bronchodilating medications
Steroid medications
Antibiotics
Give oxygen by placing a tube in your windpipe and allowing a machine to assist your breathing
Emphysema Surgery
Lung Volume Reduction surgery (LVRS)
Lung transplant