Quitting smoking is the main treatment for emphysema.

What is emphysema (COPD) symptoms, causes and treatment

Emphysema It is also known as COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. What is emphysema? Emphysema is a chronic lung disease. In which alveoli, or air bags light gradually:

alveoli or air sacs is tissue in the lungs, where oxygen is exchanged with carbon dioxide in the blood. As air sacs are destroyed the ability of the lungs to provide oxygen in the body decreases. As a result, the person becomes increasingly difficult to breathe. Damage to the air sacs is irreversible and leads to a permanent hole in the tissue of the lower lungs. What causes emphysema? As chronic bronchitis, emphysema, usually caused by years of smoking. Some respiratory infections and asthma in childhood makes their airways are more susceptible to damage. Some people make too little of protective enzymes (alpha-1-antitrypsin) released into the lungs. These people are more likely to develop emphysema at an early age, even without the influence of cigarette smoke. Incidence 2 of 1000. What are the signs and symptoms? Symptoms can vary from person to person. Some may experience some or all of them. Shortness of breath, a feeling not able to catch their breath from a variety of measures. People with severe emphysema can not breathe when they go to bed. This is called orthopnea. What are the risk factors for disease? Smoking is a major risk factor. Except in rare cases, caused by lack of the enzyme, emphysema is a disease of smokers. Previous disaster respiratory diseases. As emphysema diagnosed? In addition to a complete medical record of the patient and physical examination, the following tests are required for the diagnosis of emphysema:

Pulmonary / pulmonary function tests used to measure how well your lungs work. Spirometry test that measures lung and respiratory functions. The peak flow meter to measure changes in breathing and responses to drugs. What long term effects of this disease? Finally, strong breathlessness will restrict rights of `normal daily activities. Recurrent respiratory infections are common. What are the risks to others? There are several risks to other people living in the same house as someone with emphysema. The main risk of exposure to second hand smoke from someone who smokes. What can we do to prevent disease? Quitting smoking is the best way to prevent emphysema. Smoke effects should especially avoid people with the enzyme alpha-1-antitrypsin. Impact of air pollution and dust should be avoided. What are the treatments for this disease? After easily destroyed, it will not renew themselves. Damage irreversible. Quitting smoking is the main treatment for emphysema. In order to see any improvements, a person should quit smoking. It is also important to stop the dust, dirt, etc. Some medications used to expand the airways (bronchodilators) to help improve breathing. Exercise, including breathing exercises to strengthen muscles used in breathing. Oxygen additives used, particularly in patients with progressive disease. Lung reduction surgery done to remove damaged lung tissue area in the late stages of disease. For a man with alpha-1-antitrypsin is absolutely necessary to avoid smoking completely. What are the side effects of treatment? Side effects depend on the drugs used. Bronchodilators cause rapid heartbeat and trembling hands. What happens after treatment of the disease? Treatment can improve symptoms lasix generic, but they will not decrease lung injury. Quitting smoking will keep the disease to progress further. As the disease monitored? Tests of lung function may be useful for measuring how the lungs are working. Chest X-rays can also be used to find three common diseases that complicate emphysema pneumonia, lung cancer and heart disease. .