Chest And Lungs

Emphysema is a lung disease that reduces the ability of the lungs to expel air, a process which depends upon the natural rubber-band-like quality or elastic properties of the lungs. Damage occurs to the tiny airways in the lungs called bronchioles. Bronchioles are joined to alveoli, tiny grape-like clusters of sacs in the lungs where

Generally, lungs become damaged because of reactions to irritants entering the airways and alveoli. Researchers continue to investigate the factors that may make some people more susceptible to emphysema than others. But there are some clear causes for emphysema: Cigarette smoking Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency Cigarette Smoking Cigarette smoking is the major cause of emphysema. When

If your doctor suspects emphysema, he or she will use the following methods to diagnose and determine the severity of the disease: History and physical examination Chest x-ray and, possibly, a CT scan of your chest Lung function tests Testing for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AAT deficiency) History And Physical Examination The doctor’s examination will include

There is no cure for emphysema. The goal of treatment is to slow the development of disabling symptoms. The most important step to take is to stop smoking. Treatments for emphysema caused by smoking include medication, breathing retraining, and surgery. People with inherited emphysema due to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can receive alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (A1PI),

Emphysema cannot be cured and does not respond to any medication other than oxygen. However, emphysema is frequently associated with bronchitis and asthma and the symptoms associated with these processes often can be alleviated with medication (hence, you can see the value of pulmonary function and other tests designed to discover if there is asthmatic

Surgical treatments for emphysema remain experimental and are not covered by insurance. Most people with emphysema are not candidates for surgery. Two types of surgery for people with emphysema are: Lung reduction Lung transplantation Lung Reduction A surgical procedure called lung reduction may improve symptoms for people with certain types of emphysema. During the procedure,

Although many questions about emphysema remain unanswered, one thing is clear – quitting smoking can prevent the occurrence of emphysema and slow the disease. Other changes to your environment, such as avoiding smog, may also help prevent the development of emphysema or keep it from getting worse. Researchers continue to investigate the causes of and

The best way to prevent emphysema is never to smoke cigarettes. If you do smoke, quit now. There are many excellent smoking cessation methods available today. If you have emphysema but stop smoking before too much of your lungs has been damaged, the disease may progress more slowly. Research continues to try to find answers

Here are some frequently asked questions related to emphysema. Q: Why do people with emphysema sometimes have problems with fluid retention and ankle swelling? A: Swelling, or edema, of the ankles, legs, and abdomen often accompanies emphysema. This is because damage to the lungs can also lead to heart damage. In addition to the gradual removal of