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Emphysema

Emphysema

Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This irreversible degenerative condition is noticed prominently among smokers, especially men. The most common cause for emphysema is long-term cigarette smoking. Emphysema changes destroy the elasticity of the alveoli and bronchioles in the lungs. Cigarette smoking destroys lung tissue and causes inflammation and irritation to the airways. Smoking also adversely affects the immune cells in the lungs. Persons with deficiency of alpha-1-antitrypsin suffer lung tissue destruction. Other causes for emphysema include air pollution, abnormality in the airways or conditions such as brochial asthma and inherited diseases.

Typical symptoms of emphysema include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, loss of appetite and fatigue. A person suffering from emphysema experiences shortness of breath on exertion. Chest x-rays aid in identifying any changes in the lung anatomy as well as respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Lung function test give a clear picture on the functioning of the lungs. Blood tests can indicate any possible infection. Arterial blood gas test is useful in determining the amount of oxygen and carbon di oxide in the blood. Pulse oximetry and sputum examination help in diagnosing the extent of emphysema. CT scan of the chest is often done.

Bronchodilators, steroids, anticholinergics are prescribed to support the breathing of those suffering from emphysema. Nebulization helps patients with shortness of breath. Albuterol and Atrovent are bronchodilating medications that are commonly used for mild cases of emphysema. Other drugs include steroids and antibiotics to treat infections. Surgical remedy involves LVRS - Lung volume reduction surgery to remove lung tissues that have been damaged. It is imperative to stop smoking and embark on a program of learning special breathing techniques and aerobic exercises such as walking, swimming and jogging.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (CPOD)encompasses a group of lung disorders that include chronic bronchitis, emphysema, chronic obstructive airways disease and chronic asthma. CPOD affects millions of people worldwide and this disease is mostly attributed to smoking. Air pollution, working in an environment with harmful effluents and passive smoking are also likely causes for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Sometimes a patient may suffer an inherited form of emphysema due to a deficiency of alpha-1-antitrypsin. With chronic bronchitis, the air passages and mucus glands are enlarged thereby leading to severe cough. Over time, the enlargement can lead to reduced oxygen supply to the lungs. Elevated blood pressure is noticed. This condition is more predominant in those who smoke or have a history of respiratory illness. While some patients develop wheezing and shortness of breath, others notice mucus while coughing. Chronic bronchitis is noticed with symptoms such as continuous cough, rapid breathing and cyanosis (bluish tint to the lips and nails). Morning headaches may be noticed on account of inability to remove carbon dioxide from the blood. Patients with severe case of COPD may face hemoptysis (blood while coughing). Emphysema occurs when the tiny alveoli in the lungs are destroyed thereby hampering efficiency of the lungs. It leads to labored breathing and the patient often feels out of breath. Other symptoms are loss of weight, disturbed sleep and tight constriction in the chest.

Diagnostic tests for COPD include blood tests and pulmonary function test. The pulmonary function test is an indicator of the extent of blockage of the lungs. Chest x-rays help in identifying damaged areas of the lungs and areas of fluid collection as well as any masses in the lungs. Sputum culture can identify any respiratory infection. A spirometry test measures the amount of air a person can blow in a second. Arterial blood gas analysis indicates how efficiently the lungs bring oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide.

Antibiotics can help in tackling the bacterial infections in the lungs. Bronchodilators open up the air passages in the lungs thereby alleviating some of the symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Inhaled corticosteroids will reduce airway inflammation. In severe cases, oxygen is administered. In addition, some lifestyle changes must be followed:

Avoid smoking

Avoid exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke

Adopt physical fitness regime to maintain good lung health

As far as possible, avoid environmental irritants, hazardous inhalated substances such as paints, chemicals and cleaning agents

Balanced diet

Plenty of water and fluids

Steam inhalation

Pneumonectomy

Pneumonectomy is a surgical removal of the lung. This is done on patients suffering from lung cancer, COPD and emphysema. When a person is suffering from lung cancer, it has to be ascertained if the cancer has not spread. CT scan and bone scan can help. When the patient has a tumor near the lung center, pneumonectomy is done when there is no other option. In a simple pneumonectomy surgery, only the affected lung is removed. In extrapleural pneumonectomy, a part of the pericardium and parietal pleura is also removed.