Emphysema is the destruction of alveoli walls (air sacs in lungs). It results in larger sacs with less surface area for the gaseous exchange. As lung tissue breakdown, lungs do not come back to their original shape after exhalation. In emphysema, air can not be pushed out and is trapped in the lungs. Because when you exhale, the damaged alveoli don't work correctly, and old air becomes trapped, leaving no room for fresh oxygen-rich air to enter. As the emphysema reduces the lung's surface area, it also suppresses the amount of oxygen that reaches your bloodstream. By the time symptoms of emphysema appear, the patient has usually lost 50% to 70% of his lung tissue.
Symptoms of emphysema include:
- Shortness of breath, especially during climbing steps or light exercise
- Chest tightness
- Recurrent respiratory infection
- Sputum (mucus production) that may be clear, white, greenish, or yellow
- Weight loss
- Mild wheezing
- Fatigue or headache
- Long term coughing
What Are the Causes of Emphysema?
Various factors become the cause of emphysema. Some of them are discussed here:
1. Air Pollution: Air contains many harmful gases that damage our lungs when inhaled. Consequently, one can feel the symptoms of emphysema.
2. Cigarette Smoke: people who have a smoking habit are more likely to suffer from emphysema because cigarette smoke destroys the alveoli, which results in a smaller surface area for gaseous exchange.
3. Chemical Fumes and Dust: Some people are allergic to perfumes, dust, pollens. When they come in contact with these irritants, they feel difficulty breathing.
How Is Emphysema Diagnosed?
Doctors recommend several tests to diagnose emphysema. Some of them include:
- Electrocardiogram: it analyzes heart function and is used to rule out heart diseases as a cause of shortness of breath.
- Pulse oximetry: this is also referred to as an oxygen saturation test. Pulse oximetry is used to measure the amount of oxygen present in the blood. This job is done by fixing the monitor to a patient's finger, earlobe, or forehead.
- Arterial Blood Gas: this test is used to measure the amount of oxygen as well as carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood from an artery. This test is used primarily for determining the intensity of emphysema. It also helps to determine if the patient needs extra oxygen.
How Is Emphysema Treated?
There is no complete treatment to cure emphysema. But the following steps assist you in reducing the development of symptoms.
1. Avoid smoking: if you smoke, quit! For the protection of the lungs, this is the most significant step you can take. Many rehabilitation centers provide you with the best smoking quitting method for you.
2. Use Of Corticosteroids: these drugs help you suppress the inflammation of the airways so that you can respire easily.
3. Oxygen Therapy: it is done to reduce shortness of breath, protect your organ and enhance the quality of life.
4. Balanced diet: when you are experiencing emphysema-like complications, then you must take care of your diet. Follow the diet plans directed by your doctor.
5. Surgery: in severe conditions, lung transplant, lung volume reduction surgery, and bullectomy (removes bullae, large air spaces that form when air sacs collapse) are done.
References:
- Clinic, C. (2022). Bronchitis symptoms & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved March 1, 2022, from my.clevelandclinic.org
- Foundation, C. H. E. S. T. (2020). Acute bronchitis. Home - CHEST Foundation. Retrieved March 1, 2022, from foundation.chestnet.org
- Robinson, J. (2020). Bronchitis (acute and chronic): Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. WebMD. Retrieved March 1, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/lung/understanding-bronchitis-basics