EMPHYSEMA

 Basic information

description

Emphysema is a chronic, progressive lung disease that leads to decreased lung function. It develops slowly over years. In the early stages, there are often no symptoms. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis together are the two main disorders that comprise COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity. Over time, the shortness of breath becomes constant.
• Ongoing cough (may produce mucus).
• Wheezing; tightness in chest.
• Weight loss, frequent infections (e.g., colds), anxiety, depression, or barrel chest (due to enlarged lungs).

causes

Alveoli (small air sacs) in the lungs become damaged and enlarged. This decreases the normal exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The lungs lose their elastic quality which causes difficulty in exhaling. This leads to over inflation of the lungs and shallow breathing.

risk increases with

• The main risk factor is cigarette smoking.
• Long-term exposure to lung irritants. These include air pollution (both inside and outside air) and workplace dust or chemicals.
• Inherited alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency.
• Secondhand smoke.
• HIV infection.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Don't smoke. If you do smoke, quit now.
• Avoid lung irritants and secondhand smoke.

expected outcomes

Cannot be cured. Symptoms can be controlled to slow progress and severity of the disease. The disease shortens life expectancy, but patients live many years with it.

possible complications

• Infections, failure, or collapse of the lungs.
• Anxiety, panic disorder, and depression.
• Disability. Decreased ability to perform basic daily activities (e.g., caring for self, cooking, or walking).
• Heart disease and other major health problems.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam. You will be asked questions about your symptoms, activities, and smoking history. Medical tests will be done to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the disease. These may include blood tests, x-rays, CT, and lung function tests.
• Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms, slowing the disease, and preventing complications.
• Don't smoke. Smoking will cause the disease to become worse, despite treatment. Find a way to quit.
• If you work in an area with severe air pollution, do all you can to reduce exposure. Change jobs, if necessary.
• Install air-conditioning and humidity control in your home. Stay indoors during air pollution alerts.
• Attend a pulmonary rehab program (if available).
• Avoid sudden temperature or humidity changes, loud talking, laughing, crying, or exertion, if these trigger coughing episodes.
• Avoid higher altitudes where the air is thin.
• Elevate the foot of the bed with 4 to 5-inch blocks.
• Home oxygen use may be needed.
• Get counseling for depression, anxiety, and other emotional problems.
• Surgery for lung reduction or lung transplant may be considered (rarely).
• To learn more: American Lung Association, 61 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10006; (800) 586-4872; website: www.lungusa.org.

medications

• You may be prescribed:
  • Drugs to relax spasms of bronchial tubes.
  • Steroids to reduce lung inflammation.
  • Antibiotics to fight or prevent infections.
  • Vaccines against flu and pneumonia.
  • Drugs for depression, anxiety, or panic disorder.
  • Intravenous alpha 1-antitrypsin (if AAT deficient).

activity

Physical exercises and breathing exercises are usually prescribed. Both are important in improving symptoms.

diet

Eat a healthy diet. Drink plenty of fluids each day.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of emphysema.
• The following occur after diagnosis:
  • Any signs of infection such as fever, chills, or aches.
  • Increased trouble breathing or chest pain.
  • Changes occur in the cough or sputum (mucus).

Special Notes: