EMPHYSEMA 
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