EMPHYSEMA IMG_20201116_143101

Definition

Lung condition that causes shortness of breath

Pathophysiology

This leads to a dramatic decline in the alveolar

Available for gas exchange

Distal to the terminal bronchioles

It is a permanent enlargement of airspaces

Furthermore, lossof alveoli leads to air flow limitations

Causes

Long term exposure to irritants that damages lungs and airways

Cigarette smoking

Risk factors

Long-term exposure to lung irritants

Age-40 years ang above

Smoking

Signs and symptoms

Shortness of breath, especially with physical activities

Whistling or squeaky sound when breathing

Cough that produces a lot of mucus

Tighness in your chest

Frequent coughing and wheezing

Medical treatment

Antibiotics for lung infection

Oxygen therapy to promote breathing

Steroids-to reduce inflammation

Bronchiodilators- to relax the muscles around airways

Nursing intervention

Encourage patient to sit at the bedside

Or in comfortable chair, take a deep breath and cough strongly

Encourage the use of controlled coughingto clear secretions

Place a patient with dyspnea in a high fowlers position

To help a patient mobilize secretions in the morning

To avoid infection screen visitors for contagious diseases

Use a humidifier at night

Teach a patient about his disease

Maintain a patent airway is priority

Surgical treatment

Remove larger air spaces that can form when air sacs are damaged

Do lung transplant

Surgery to remove damaged lung tissues

Diagnostic tests

Chest X rays

Arterial blood gases analysis