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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.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Cigarette smoking is the most likely causes of lung cacner. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of carcinogenics. In fact passive smoking is also a major risk factor for lung cancer. Persons suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at increased risk for developing lung cancer. Other potential causes for lung cancer include radiation and exposure to asbestos.

Usually most occurences of lung cancer are NSCLC (non-small-cell lung cancers). They tend to grow slowly. A small percentage of lung cancers are of the rapidly-spreading type. Typical symptoms of lung cancer include shortness of breath and chest discomfort, persistent cough, loss of appetite and coughing up blood. Often symptoms of lung cancer do not show up in some people. Patients with lung cancer may also show symptoms such as cyanosis that is indicative of compromised lung functioning.

Chest x-rays and phlegm sample examination is done for patients suffering from the symptoms that may suggest lung cancer. A bronchoscopy is done to photograph and take cell samples of the lung airways. Lung cancer can be diagnosed with lung biopsy. CT scan of the chest area is done to examine any tumors. A spiral CT scan is very effective in locating even small lung cancer tumors. MRI can give deatiled imaging of tiny structural changes. If the lung cancer is likely to have metastasized to the bone, a PET scan will show that up. Thoracentesis involves aspiration of a small sample of the fluid that accumulates in the space between the lungs and chest wall. Image-guided fine needle aspiration is done to retrieve cells from tumor nodules in the lung. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used individually or together to treat lung cancer tumors.

Nicotine Blood Test

A nicotine blood test measures the rate of metabolization of nicotine. This gives an indication of the possible success of using nicotine patches to tackle craving while a person is giving up smoking. Cotinine is the substance that nicotine metabolizes into before turning into 3-hydroxycotinine. If a nicotine blood test indicates a rapid metabolism of nicotine, the person is likely to experience more craving while trying to give up smoking. Nicotine tests can also be performed on urine or saliva.