How to Treat Emphysema
Emphysema is a progressive lung disease that is primarily caused by the destruction of lung tissues, specifically the bronchiole and alveoli. Here are some things you should know to treat emphysema.
Causes:
Cigarette smoking is one of the reasons people develop emphysema. The chemicals you get from smoking destroy the cells and structures of the lungs, causing you to experience shortness of breath.
Lung irritants may cause an inflammatory reaction in the lungs. Long exposure to irritants, like fumes from paints and dirty air, may eventually result to lung tissue damage.
Old age. As people grow old, their normal lung function declines, leading to various pulmonary illnesses.
Protein deficiency. Trypsin is a digestive enzyme that may cause damage to your lungs. A substance called Alpha-1- anti Trypsin protects the structures of your lungs. Without this, your lungs will be damaged by trypsin and can cause serious lung tissue damage.
Symptoms:
The primary symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath. When you have unmanaged emphysema, you may experience other symptoms, like the ones listed below.
Wheezing happens when your airway structures are constricted and air can’t pass through properly.
Chest tightness
Barrel Chest happens when air is trapped in your lungs. On examination, your doctor will see that the anteroposterior diameter of your chest is greater than its anterior diameter.
Fatigue. Since you can’t breathe properly, you’ll notice that you easily get tired when doing your normal tasks.
Loss of appetite is caused by fatigue.
Diagnosis:
Spirometry measures the capacity of your lungs to hold and expel air.
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) analysis measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood.
Chest X-ray confirms emphysema, but this alone may not be sufficient enough for a diagnosis.
Medications:
Bronchodilators relax your airway. This way, cough and shortness of breath is reduced.
Corticosteroid therapy is given to manage symptoms related to asthma.
Home Care:
Quit smoking. Smoking will make your health condition worse. You may want to sign up for a smoking cessation program. This education program will teach you how to stop smoking, what to do on a relapse, provide support groups and give you medications to help you quit your bad habit.
Perform breathing techniques that will expand your lungs better and help you release air more effectively.
Diaphragmatic breathing. Place your hand on your abdomen. Your hands should be lifted as the air comes in. When doing this, make sure that your chest doesn’t rise as you take in air. Inhale through your mouth and slowly exhale.
Pursed-lip breathing. Perform diaphragmatic breathing and release air slowly with your lips open just a little bit, like when you’re kissing somebody.
Avoid irritants.
Clear airways. the build up of mucus will worsen your breathing problems. to cough out mucus more effectively, drink enough water daily.
Exercise will not only increase your energy but also improve the ability of your lungs to take in and expel air.
Have a healthy diet. Be sure that your weight is within the acceptable range. Eating a balance meal will give your body the nutrients it needs to fight off diseases and prevent complications.
Emphysema can be prevented and treated by following a healthy lifestyle. Avoid smoking, exercise and eat nutritious foods. These are the basic steps on avoiding diseases and having a healthy life.