Symptoms of Emphysema, Risk Factors and Treatment
Emphysema Defined
As a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema can cause the air sacs in the lungs to deteriorate, leading to shortness of breath and reduced lung capacity. Around 3.7 million people in America suffer from Emphysema. It is a common respiratory condition for individuals aged 45 years and above.
Smoking is one of the contributing factors to one of the main emphysema symptoms which is shortness of breath. The chance of developing this condition is higher for long term smokers. Emphysema cases that involve individuals who don't smoke cigarettes are rare however it could actually occur because of alpha-1 intitrypsin deficit, a protein that protects the lung tissue that's synthesized by the liver. Even so, exposure to air pollution, secondhand smoke, chemical gases and dust may promote development of emphysema for nonsmokers.
If neglected, emphysema symptoms will get worse over time and can reach its critical stage. The treatment course for Emphysema normally involves using bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, quitting smoking as well as applying pulmonary rehabilitations that include breathing exercises and coughing. With changes in lifestyle including steering clear of cold air and respiratory irritants, refraining from cigarette smoking, regular exercise, washing hands and the like, advancement of the condition could be delayed. Various other problems and further emphysema symptoms can likewise be avoided from developing with such lifestyle adjustment.
Emphysema Risk Factors
There are a few factors that are likely to increase the risk of developing emphysema. Here are some list of these risk factors:
. Smoking cigarettes and inhaling secondhand smoke:
. Secondary respiratory disease;
. Professions related to working with coal, textiles, or livestock;
. Over exposure to chemical fumes, air pollution or dust particle
Emphysema Symptoms
Shortness of breath and difficulty or breathing ; these are the most usual emphysema symptoms you will notice in a person with such a disease. Other common symptoms of Emhysema are chest pain, coughing out clear to yellowish discharge, a whistling sound upon breathing or wheezing, tachypnea or rapid and shallow breaths, clubbing of toes and fingers caused by thickening of tissues underneath nail beds, and physical weakness. In addition to the typical symptoms, you will also find severe emphysema symptoms that are symptoms of more lethal problems. Life threatening symptoms include:
. Breathing or respiratory disorders such as choking, stopping from breathing, etc.
. Alterations in alertness or consciousness level such as unresponsiveness or passing out; and
. Cyanosis or blue discoloraionof the lips and fingernails;
. Rapid heart rate (tachycardia);
Emphysema Treatment
The treatment course for emphysema will start as soon as you seek medical assistance and the diagnosis has been established. The ultimate objective of the treatment is to improve breathing by undergoing with the different therapy. But serious cases that do not effectively respond to the therapies used will require a surgical procedure like lung transplant or resection.
As the saying goes, "Prevention is better than cure."
The possibility of acquiring Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and emphysema symptoms may be lowered by keeping away from the causative factors or by simply following the following pointers:
. Drink lots of water or fluids;
. Have a good amount of rest and physical activity;
. Keep away from cold air;
. Take all prescribed medications; and
. Eliminate irritants at your home such as fireplace dust, smoke or fumes
