Emphysema
Time to read 2 min
Time to read 2 min
WHAT IS IT?
Emphysema gradually damages the air sacs in your lungs, making you progressively shorter of breath. It’s one of several diseases known collectively as a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The main symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath, which usually begins gradually. You may start avoiding activities that cause you to be short of breath. Eventually, the condition causes shortness of breath even while resting.
WHAT’S THE CAUSE?
Factors that increase your risk of developing emphysema include:
People who have emphysema, especially severe emphysema, are at increased risk of developing other health conditions including a collapsed lung, large holes in the lungs, and heart problems.
TREATMENT
To determine if you have emphysema, you may undergo lung function tests to measure how much air your lungs can hold and how well they deliver oxygen to your bloodstream.
Emphysema can’t be cured, but treatments can relieve symptoms and slow it progression.
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend:
Bronchodilators. These drugs help relieve coughing, shortness of breath, and breathing problems by relaxing constricted airways. They’re not as effective in treating emphysema as they are in treating asthma or chronic bronchitis.
Inhaled steroids. Corticosteroids inhaled as aerosol sprays may help relieve shortness of breath. Prolonged use may increase your risk of side effects.
Other treatments include:
Pulmonary rehabilitation. It includes breathing exercises and other techniques to reduce breathlessness and improve your activity level.
Nutrition therapy. In the early stages of emphysema, many people need to lose weight, while people with late-stage emphysema often need to gain weight.
Supplemental oxygen. It increases blood oxygen levels. The oxygen typically is administered via tubing that fits into your nostrils.
In certain situations, surgery may be performed to remove small wedges of damaged tissue. This may help remaining lung tissue expand and work more efficiently, improving breathing.
LIFESTYLE
Excerpt From: The Mayo Clinic. “Mayo Clinic A to Z Health Guide”