Fact Checked
Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Generally, it causes damage to the alveoli air sacs in the lungs. It results to severe reduction of oxygen and causes difficulties in breathing with chronic cough usually caused by cigarette smoking where the carcinogen cause the sac to lose its shape.
Symptoms
- At first, shortness of breath with chronic cough which happens in the early stages. Shortness of breath happens during performing physical activities and resting.
- In the later stages, lung infections can develop with severe production of mucus.
- Wheezing
- Lips or beds of the fingernails becomes blue due to lack of oxygen or cyanosis
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite and reduced weight
Shortness of breath with chronic cough which happens in the early stages. - Anxiety and depression
- Problems with sleeping
- Lastly, headaches in the morning caused by lack of oxygen due to difficulties with breathing at night.
Causes
- Cigarette smoking
- Inhaled toxins which are work related, smoke from indoor cooking and heating.
- Air pollution
- Low body weight
- Inhaled mineral or cotton dust
- Inhaled chemicals that includes, grains, coal, cadmium and isocyanates
- Lastly, childhood respiratory conditions or viral infections such as asthma
Treatment of emphysema
- Prescribed inhaled bronchodilators to lessen the pain and the symptoms. Generally, it relaxes and opens passages in the lungs. Beta-agonist relaxes bronchial muscles and fast elimination of mucus. Anticholinergics it also relax the muscle, improve functioning of the lungs and increased capacity in performing physical activities.
- Prescribed inhaled steroids to lessen the pain and the symptoms of emphysema caused by bronchitis and asthma.
- Oxygen therapy to improve delivery of oxygen to the lungs. It can be supplied through tubes or nasal cannula. Generally, it includes two tubes which are inserted into the nostrils and air and oxygen flows. Face mask which covers the mouth and the nose, and used when there is difficulty using the nasal cannula and needs more oxygen. In addition, oxygen therapy reduces the chances of heart failure, increase energy and ability to perform physical activities and prolonged life.
- Stop smoking.
- Drink plenty of water to clear airways and loosen mucus
- Regular excises that includes jogging, walking, jumping rope and low-impact exercises such as water aerobics and cycling to increase lung capacity. In addition, diaphragmatic breathing and deep breathing exercises to improve breathing.
FACT CHECK
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8934.php
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/emphysema/article_em.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/emphysema/symptoms-causes/syc-20355555
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