Emphysema

What is Emphysema?
Emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath. It damages the air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs.

It is one of the diseases that comprise COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), along with chronic bronchitis.

In people with emphysema, the inner walls of the air sacs weaken and rupture — creating one larger air space instead of many small ones. This reduces the surface area available for oxygen to reach your bloodstream.

Symptoms

You can have emphysema for many years without noticing signs. The main symptom is shortness of breath, which begins gradually.

• Breathlessness during physical activity (eventually occurring at rest).
• Chronic cough.
• Wheezing.
• Tightness in the chest.

⚠️ EMERGENCY WARNING
Seek immediate medical attention if:

• You can't climb stairs due to breathlessness.
• Your lips or fingernails turn blue or gray (Cyanosis) with exertion.
• You are not mentally alert.

Causes

The main cause is long-term exposure to airborne irritants:

• Tobacco Smoke: The leading cause.
• Marijuana Smoke: Long-term use can damage lung tissue.
• Air Pollution: Indoor and outdoor fumes.
• Manufacturing Fumes: Chemical dust and silica.
• Genetics: Rarely, it is caused by a deficiency of a protein that protects the lungs (Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency).

Complications

• Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax): Can be life-threatening in people with compromised lungs.
• Heart Problems (Cor Pulmonale): Emphysema increases pressure in the arteries connecting the heart and lungs, causing the heart to weaken.
• Giant Bullae: Large empty spaces (holes) in the lungs that reduce the space available for healthy lung tissue.

Diagnosis

Doctors use a combination of imaging and functional tests:

• Spirometry (Lung Function Test): You blow into a machine that measures how much air your lungs can hold and how fast you can blow it out.
• Chest X-ray: To rule out other causes of shortness of breath.
• CT Scan: Can detect emphysema earlier than an X-ray and is useful if considering surgery.
• Arterial Blood Gas Analysis: Measures how well your lungs transfer oxygen into the blood.

Treatment

Emphysema cannot be cured, but treatments can relieve symptoms and slow progression.

1. Medications

• Bronchodilators: Inhalers that relax constricted airways to help relieve coughing and breathlessness.
• Inhaled Steroids: Corticosteroid sprays to reduce inflammation.
• Antibiotics: Used promptly if you develop a bacterial infection like pneumonia.

2. Therapies

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A program teaching breathing exercises and techniques to improve exercise capacity.
• Nutrition Therapy: Losing weight (if obese) or gaining weight (if underweight) to reduce strain on breathing muscles.
• Supplemental Oxygen: Using oxygen at home (via nasal cannula) for severe cases.

3. Surgery

For severe cases, options include Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (removing damaged tissue) or a Lung Transplant.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.