Summer BanksUnderstanding Emphysema
September 10th 2006 08:47
Understanding Emphysema :
Emphysema is a chronic, progressive lung disease that develops when the small air passages leading to the alveoli (the tiny air sacs in the lungs, where gas exchange takes place) become distended and the walls dividing the alveoli are injured or destroyed. Spaces form where alveoli had been, and lung tissue becomes nonfunctional and stiff rather than elastic.
Emphysema is considered to be a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is commonly associated with chronic bronchitis, in which the airways become inflamed, causing specialized cells within them to secrete abnormally large amounts of mucus. The inflammation, swelling, and excessive mucus production result in obstruction of airflow and entrapment of air within the lungs.
Effect on the Body :
As the disease progresses, many complex changes take place, ultimately leading to diminishment of the amount of oxygen in the blood, frequently associated with an increased amount of carbon dioxide. As the lung tissue deteriorates and loses its elasticity, changes also occur in the blood vessels carrying deoxygenated blood to the lungs for a fresh supply of oxygen. The net effect is that the right side of the heart, which is responsible for collecting deoxygenated blood from the veins of the body and pumping it through the lungs, must work much harder.
As the process continues, the muscle of the right side of the heart is weakened by this extra work and becomes less able to pump blood into the lungs. The blood backs up, causing increased pressure in the veins. This, in turn, causes fluid to recede into the tissues, resulting in severe swelling of the feet, ankles, and legs. If this right-sided heart failure (also known as cor pulmonale) is very severe, the abdomen will become distended with fluid.
Causes :
External factors that irritate the lungs, such as tobacco smoke and air pollutants, are commonly linked to emphysema. Unlike many respiratory diseases, emphysema is not caused by a viral or bacterial infection. However, it is often aggravated by a case of bronchitis or another lung infection.
In a minority of cases, emphysema is a result of a genetic deficiency or an inherited lack of a specific blood protein, which leads to loss of elasticity in the alveoli.
Those afflicted with emphysema are most likely to be white men older than the age of 50, although the number of women who are susceptible has risen dramatically because of an increase in smoking among women during recent decades. The overwhelming majority of emphysema cases have been directly linked to cigarette smoking.
Symptoms :
Emphysema is characterized by one major symptom -- shortness of breath. Patients may also have a persistent, racking cough, which either brings up mucus or is overly dry. Patients experience difficulty in breathing, often taking twice as many breaths as healthy individuals would in order to get enough oxygen. It has been found that advanced emphysema sufferers exert tremendous amounts of energy just in the act of breathing. They also tend to tire quite easily and require more calories to maintain their weight than healthy individuals do.
Diagnosis and Treatment :
Diagnosis :
With the exception of cases caused by genetic disorder, there is no single test that can pinpoint the condition. Breathing tests to measure the amount of air being inhaled and exhaled can reveal the disease in its early stages. A blood test may be performed to determine the red blood cell count (when emphysema causes diminished oxygenation of the blood, more red blood cells are produced in an effort to increase oxygen transport).
A chest X-ray may be taken to search for specific changes in the lungs that may point to advanced stages of the disease; however, it is not helpful in diagnosing early emphysema. Therefore, emphysema is diagnosed by putting together a collection of findings.
Treatment :
There is no known cure for emphysema, nor is it reversible. However, the progress of the disease can be checked by removing irritants, particularly tobacco smoke, from the patient's environment. Patients are encouraged to drink large amounts of fluids to help thin out the mucus that may block the airways. Adequate rest, a balanced diet, and moderate regular exercise are recommended.
Vaporizers, humidifiers, and air conditioners help to moisturize and filter the air. A respiratory therapist can teach an emphysema patient how to use his or her chest and abdominal muscles to breathe more efficiently.
Several drugs aid the emphysema patient. They act to loosen mucus or to relax and expand the air passages. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed if infection exists. Cortisone drugs (corticosteroids) are sometimes prescribed as well. Drugs such as albuterol and terbutaline are used both in inhalation aerosol and oral forms. An inhaler containing the drug ipratropium bromide may be of significant help in relieving symptoms.
In advanced cases of emphysema, oxygen may have to be administered continuously. However, an emphysema patient must be particularly careful to use only the amount of oxygen prescribed. Too much oxygen may suppress the drive to breathe, thereby causing respiratory failure. In addition, sedatives and sleeping medications should be avoided by patients with severe emphysema, as these can also lead to a dangerous slowing of breathing.
Emphysema is a very serious condition. However, with the help of modern treatments, breathing aids, and medications, patients can lead a reasonably comfortable life. It is necessary, however, for these individuals to stop smoking and avoid air pollutants as much as possible.
Emphysema is a chronic, progressive lung disease that develops when the small air passages leading to the alveoli (the tiny air sacs in the lungs, where gas exchange takes place) become distended and the walls dividing the alveoli are injured or destroyed. Spaces form where alveoli had been, and lung tissue becomes nonfunctional and stiff rather than elastic.
Emphysema is considered to be a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is commonly associated with chronic bronchitis, in which the airways become inflamed, causing specialized cells within them to secrete abnormally large amounts of mucus. The inflammation, swelling, and excessive mucus production result in obstruction of airflow and entrapment of air within the lungs.
Effect on the Body :
As the disease progresses, many complex changes take place, ultimately leading to diminishment of the amount of oxygen in the blood, frequently associated with an increased amount of carbon dioxide. As the lung tissue deteriorates and loses its elasticity, changes also occur in the blood vessels carrying deoxygenated blood to the lungs for a fresh supply of oxygen. The net effect is that the right side of the heart, which is responsible for collecting deoxygenated blood from the veins of the body and pumping it through the lungs, must work much harder.
As the process continues, the muscle of the right side of the heart is weakened by this extra work and becomes less able to pump blood into the lungs. The blood backs up, causing increased pressure in the veins. This, in turn, causes fluid to recede into the tissues, resulting in severe swelling of the feet, ankles, and legs. If this right-sided heart failure (also known as cor pulmonale) is very severe, the abdomen will become distended with fluid.
Causes :
External factors that irritate the lungs, such as tobacco smoke and air pollutants, are commonly linked to emphysema. Unlike many respiratory diseases, emphysema is not caused by a viral or bacterial infection. However, it is often aggravated by a case of bronchitis or another lung infection.
In a minority of cases, emphysema is a result of a genetic deficiency or an inherited lack of a specific blood protein, which leads to loss of elasticity in the alveoli.
Those afflicted with emphysema are most likely to be white men older than the age of 50, although the number of women who are susceptible has risen dramatically because of an increase in smoking among women during recent decades. The overwhelming majority of emphysema cases have been directly linked to cigarette smoking.
Symptoms :
Emphysema is characterized by one major symptom -- shortness of breath. Patients may also have a persistent, racking cough, which either brings up mucus or is overly dry. Patients experience difficulty in breathing, often taking twice as many breaths as healthy individuals would in order to get enough oxygen. It has been found that advanced emphysema sufferers exert tremendous amounts of energy just in the act of breathing. They also tend to tire quite easily and require more calories to maintain their weight than healthy individuals do.
Diagnosis and Treatment :
Diagnosis :
With the exception of cases caused by genetic disorder, there is no single test that can pinpoint the condition. Breathing tests to measure the amount of air being inhaled and exhaled can reveal the disease in its early stages. A blood test may be performed to determine the red blood cell count (when emphysema causes diminished oxygenation of the blood, more red blood cells are produced in an effort to increase oxygen transport).
A chest X-ray may be taken to search for specific changes in the lungs that may point to advanced stages of the disease; however, it is not helpful in diagnosing early emphysema. Therefore, emphysema is diagnosed by putting together a collection of findings.
Treatment :
There is no known cure for emphysema, nor is it reversible. However, the progress of the disease can be checked by removing irritants, particularly tobacco smoke, from the patient's environment. Patients are encouraged to drink large amounts of fluids to help thin out the mucus that may block the airways. Adequate rest, a balanced diet, and moderate regular exercise are recommended.
Vaporizers, humidifiers, and air conditioners help to moisturize and filter the air. A respiratory therapist can teach an emphysema patient how to use his or her chest and abdominal muscles to breathe more efficiently.
Several drugs aid the emphysema patient. They act to loosen mucus or to relax and expand the air passages. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed if infection exists. Cortisone drugs (corticosteroids) are sometimes prescribed as well. Drugs such as albuterol and terbutaline are used both in inhalation aerosol and oral forms. An inhaler containing the drug ipratropium bromide may be of significant help in relieving symptoms.
In advanced cases of emphysema, oxygen may have to be administered continuously. However, an emphysema patient must be particularly careful to use only the amount of oxygen prescribed. Too much oxygen may suppress the drive to breathe, thereby causing respiratory failure. In addition, sedatives and sleeping medications should be avoided by patients with severe emphysema, as these can also lead to a dangerous slowing of breathing.
Emphysema is a very serious condition. However, with the help of modern treatments, breathing aids, and medications, patients can lead a reasonably comfortable life. It is necessary, however, for these individuals to stop smoking and avoid air pollutants as much as possible.
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