Since smoking causes most cases of emphysema, the best way to prevent it is to not smoke. It's also important to try to avoid lung irritants such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and dusts. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.
See, Play and Learn No links available. Resources Reference Desk Find an Expert. For You Patient Handouts. What is emphysema? What causes emphysema? Who is at risk for emphysema? The risk factors for emphysema include Smoking. This the main risk factor. Long-term exposure to other lung irritants , such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes and dusts from the environment or workplace.
Most people who have emphysema are at least 40 years old when their symptoms begin. This includes alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which is a genetic condition. Also, smokers who get emphysema are more likely to get it if they have a family history of COPD. What are the symptoms of emphysema? They can include Frequent coughing or wheezing A cough that produces a lot mucus Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity A whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe Tightness in your chest Some people with emphysema get frequent respiratory infections such as colds and the flu.
How is emphysema diagnosed? Your health care provider may use many tools to make a diagnosis: A medical history, which includes asking about your symptoms A family history Other tests tests, such as lung function tests , a chest x-ray or CT scan , and blood tests What are the treatments for emphysema? Treatments include Lifestyle changes , such as Quitting smoking if you are a smoker. This is the most important step you can take to treat emphysema.
Avoiding secondhand smoke and places where you might breathe in other lung irritants Ask your health care provider for an eating plan that will meet your nutritional needs. Also ask about how much physical activity you can do. Physical activity can strengthen the muscles that help you breathe and improve your overall wellness.
Medicines , such as Bronchodilators, which relax the muscles around your airways. Chronic bronchitis affects the oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange because the airway swelling and mucus production can also narrow the airways and reduce the flow of oxygen-rich air into the lung and carbon dioxide out of the lung. The damage to the alveoli and airways makes it harder to exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen during each breath. Decreased levels of oxygen in the blood and increased levels of carbon dioxide cause the breathing muscles to contract harder and faster.
The nerves in the muscles and lungs sense this increased activity and report it to the brain. As a result, you feel short of breath. Yoneda MD - Pulmonology.
Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.
Learn how we develop our content. These may include:. Treatment aims to reduce symptoms and slow the progression of the disease with medications, therapies, or surgeries. If you smoke, the first step in treating emphysema is to quit smoking. You may need medications to help you withdraw from nicotine. Consider discussing a cessation plan with your doctor.
Pulmonary rehabilitation or moderate exercise such as walking can strengthen breathing muscles and alleviate symptoms, making it easier to breathe and be physically active. Yoga, tai chi, and deep breathing exercises can also help relieve symptoms. Oxygen therapy can help make breathing easier. People with severe emphysema may need oxygen 24 hours a day. Lung volume reduction surgery may be used to remove small parts of damaged lung, and a lung transplant can replace the entire lung.
These are rare surgeries used only for people with severe emphysema. Emphysema might cause you to become underweight.
Eating foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, like fruits and vegetables, is recommended to improve your overall health. Getting vaccinated against certain infections, such as pneumonia, can help prevent you from getting an infection that could complicate emphysema. Joining a support group can help you connect with others who have the disease and share similar experiences.
Since emphysema is mainly caused by smoking tobacco, the best way to prevent it is to refrain from smoking. The outlook for people with emphysema varies based on its severity. Early detection of the disease is key, because people with emphysema can develop life threatening conditions when the lungs and heart become damaged over time.
With the aid of medications and therapies, you can live a long, healthy life with emphysema. We'll go into detail about the condition's stages and how to manage symptoms. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD affects the lungs and your ability to breathe. Get more information here on COPD pathophysiology, or the…. Chronic bronchitis is a form of COPD.
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