Emphysema Definition
Emphysema is a lung disease that usually develops after years of smoking. It is part of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) group.
When you have emphysema, the walls of the air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs are damaged. This makes the alveoli unable to function properly, causing obstruction (blockage) and trapping air in the lungs.
Too much air trapped in the lungs can cause problems and symptoms. Also, because there are fewer functioning alveoli, less oxygen can get into the bloodstream.
Many people often confuse chronic bronchitis with emphysema.
Symptoms of Emphysema
In some cases, people with emphysema may not be aware of the symptoms for years. The main symptom of this disease is shortness of breath or better known as shortness of breath.
People with emphysema usually have difficulty breathing and this happens gradually. In addition to shortness of breath, other common symptoms of emphysema are:
- Cough.
- Wheezing.
- Fatigue.
- Weight loss.
Some people may experience bluish-gray discoloration of their lips or nails due to lack of oxygen. If this happens, seek medical attention immediately.
Causes of Emphysema
Smoking is the leading cause of emphysema. So, emphysema is actually one of the most preventable respiratory diseases. Smoking not only damages lung tissue but also irritates the airways.
This causes inflammation and damage to the cilia lining the bronchial tubes. It can also cause swollen airways, mucus production, and difficulty clearing the airways. All of these changes can lead to shortness of breath.
Emphysema Risk Factors
Apart from cigarette smoke, there are several factors that increase the risk of emphysema, namely:
- Air pollution which has a similar effect to cigarette smoke on the lungs.
- Lack of Alpha-1-antitrypsin, a protein that functions to protect the elastic structures of the lungs.
- Age. Lung tissue in elderly people is more susceptible to damage, which can lead to emphysema.
Diagnosis of Emphysema
To diagnose emphysema, it is necessary to know the medical history, whether there is a smoking habit, and the possibility of living or working in a polluted environment.
Further tests to confirm the diagnosis are:
- Imaging tests, such as CT scans and X-rays to see the condition of the lungs.
- Blood tests to check how blood flow in the lungs is working.
- Pulse oximetry to measure oxygen levels in the blood.
- Pulmonary function testing, or spirometry, which uses a spirometer to measure the amount of air in the lungs that is inhaled and exhaled.
- Arterial blood gas analysis test to measure blood and carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for heart problems.
Emphysema Treatment
For emphysema sufferers who smoke, the first step in treatment is to stop smoking to stop the damaging effects of emphysema.
Because emphysema cannot be cured, treatment is carried out to relieve the symptoms felt by sufferers, as well as slow the progression of the disease. There are several types of emphysema treatment, namely:
- Drugs
Various medications can help relieve symptoms of the disease, including:
- Bronchodilators to help open the airways, making breathing easier and relieving coughing and shortness of breath.
- Steroids, to relieve shortness of breath.
- Antibiotics, to fight infections that can worsen the condition.
- Therapy
In addition, you can also apply a Healthy Lifestyle to Help Treat Emphysema.
Pulmonary rehabilitation or light exercise such as walking can strengthen the respiratory muscles and ease symptoms, making it easier to breathe and be physically active. Yoga, tai chi, and deep breathing exercises can also help relieve symptoms.
Oxygen therapy can help make breathing easier. People with severe emphysema may need oxygen support 24 hours a day.
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Surgery
Lung volume reduction surgery can be used to remove small sections of damaged lung. Transplantation may also be considered, but only in severe cases.
Complications of Emphysema
There are several complications that may occur due to emphysema, such as:
- Pneumonia. Patients with emphysema are more susceptible to lung infections because their lungs’ ability to cleanse themselves is reduced.
- Pneumothorax. Damage to the alveoli can cause air to leak into the space between the lung and the chest wall, resulting in lung collapse.
- Pulmonary hypertension. High blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs can cause heart problems.
- Respiratory failure. In advanced stages, emphysema can cause severe difficulty breathing.
- Heart problems. This condition can cause the heart to work harder and lead to coronary heart failure.
Emphysema Prevention
Since emphysema is primarily caused by tobacco smoking, the best way to prevent it is to refrain from smoking. It is also important to stay away from harmful chemicals and smoke as well as heavy pollution.
Although emphysema cannot be cured, preventive measures can reduce the risk of developing the disease or slow its progression:
- Quit Smoking. The most important step. Quitting smoking can prevent further lung damage.
- Avoid Exposure to Air Pollution. Limit exposure to vehicle exhaust, industrial pollution, and combustion smoke. Use a protective mask when in a polluted environment.
- Protect Yourself from Dust and Chemicals. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when working in a risky environment. Ensure good ventilation in the workplace.
- Healthy Lifestyle. Regular exercise can improve lung function. Eat healthy foods to maintain lung health.
- Vaccinations. Get the flu and pneumonia vaccines to reduce your risk of lung infections.
- Maintaining humidity in the home. Maintaining humidity in the home will help relieve emphysema symptoms.
Early detection of the disease is key, as people with emphysema can develop life-threatening conditions as the lungs and heart become damaged over time.
When to See a Doctor?
Contact a doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of emphysema. Proper treatment and medication can minimize the risk of complications in sufferers. See a doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as:
- The ability to exercise and carry out routine activities gradually decreases.
- Shortness of breath, unable to climb stairs.
- Lips and nails turn blue or gray.
- Becoming less mentally alert.
