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. This helps open your airways and makes breathing easier. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website.
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Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Symptoms of emphysema Structure of the lungs Damaged airways and lungs Complications of emphysema Diagnosis of emphysema Treatment for emphysema Respiratory rehabilitation programs Oxygen treatment for emphysema Where to get help. Symptoms of emphysema The symptoms of emphysema include: breathlessness with exertion, and eventually breathlessness most of the time in advanced disease susceptibility to chest infections cough with phlegm production fatigue barrel-shaped chest from expansion of the ribcage in order to accommodate enlarged lungs cyanosis a blue tinge to the skin due to lack of oxygen.
Structure of the lungs The lungs are sponge-like structures that lie within the chest, protected by the ribcage. Damaged airways and lungs After repeated exposure to chemical irritants, such as cigarette smoke, the air passages and air sacs of the lungs become inflamed and damaged. These changes result in: partial blockage of the passages carrying inhaled and exhaled breath reduced capacity for the lungs to extract the oxygen from inhaled air.
This means that the person has to breathe harder to get enough oxygen. Complications of emphysema Complications of emphysema can include: pneumonia — this is an infection of the alveoli and bronchioles. People with emphysema are more prone to pneumonia collapsed lung — some lungs develop large air pockets bullae , which may burst, resulting in lung deflation also called pneumothorax heart problems — damaged alveoli, reduced number of capillaries and lower oxygen levels in the blood stream may mean that the heart has to pump harder to move blood through the lungs.
Over time, this can place considerable strain on the heart. Diagnosis of emphysema Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including emphysema, is diagnosed mainly using a lung function test called spirometry. Other tests that may help in diagnosis of emphysema include: other lung function or breathing tests chest x-rays CT scans. Treatment for emphysema There is no cure for emphysema, although it is treatable.
Management includes: stopping smoking immediately and completely — this is the most effective treatment for COPD and emphysema avoiding other air pollutants respiratory pulmonary rehabilitation programs oxygen treatment, in advanced cases medications such as anti-inflammatory medications medicine to widen the airways bronchodilators and loosen the phlegm antibiotics stress management techniques gentle, regular exercise to improve overall fitness influenza vaccination yearly and pneumococcal vaccination to protect against certain types of respiratory infection.
Select your location to view local American Lung Association events and news near you. Our service is free and we are here to help you. Emphysema is one of the most preventable respiratory illnesses because it is so strongly linked to smoking.
Air pollutants, an alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and respiratory infections can also play a role, but smoking is considered the number one cause. Signs and symptoms of emphysema take years to develop, but once they start, they generally include shortness of breath, coughing with mucus, wheezing and chest tightness. Several tests are needed to diagnose emphysema including chest X-rays, pulse oximetry, spirometry and pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas test and electrocardiogram ECG.
Though emphysema cannot be cured, many treatments are available to help manage symptoms. Bronchodilator medications relax the muscles, anti-inflammatory medication can reduce airway inflammation, oxygen therapy can assist patients who need help breathing.
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