In COPD, the airways of the lungs bronchial tubes become inflamed and narrowed. They tend to collapse when you breathe out and can become clogged with mucus. This reduces airflow through the bronchial tubes, a condition called airway obstruction, making it difficult to move air in and out of the lungs.
The inflammation of the bronchial tubes makes the nerves in the lungs very sensitive. In response to irritation, the body forces air through the airways by a rapid and strong contraction of the muscles of respiration—a cough.
The rapid movement of air in the breathing tubes helps remove mucus from the lungs into the throat. People with COPD often cough a great deal in the morning after a large amount of mucus has built up overnight smoker's cough. The lungs are where the blood picks up oxygen to deliver throughout the body and where it disposes of carbon dioxide that is a by-product of the body processes. COPD affects this process. Emphysema can lead to destruction of the alveoli, the tiny air sacs that allow oxygen to get into the blood.
Their destruction leads to the formation of large air pockets in the lung called bullae. These bullae do not exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide like normal lung tissue. Treatments include. If you have emphysema, it's important to know when and where to get help for your symptoms.
You should get emergency care if you have severe symptoms, such as trouble catching your breath or talking. Call your health care provider if your symptoms are getting worse or if you have signs of an infection, such as a fever. Since smoking causes most cases of emphysema, the best way to prevent it is to not smoke. It's also important to try to avoid lung irritants such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and dusts.
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Resources Reference Desk Find an Expert. For You Patient Handouts. What is emphysema? What causes emphysema? Who is at risk for emphysema? The risk factors for emphysema include Smoking. This the main risk factor. Long-term exposure to other lung irritants , such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes and dusts from the environment or workplace.
Most people who have emphysema are at least 40 years old when their symptoms begin. This includes alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which is a genetic condition.
Also, smokers who get emphysema are more likely to get it if they have a family history of COPD. What are the symptoms of emphysema? They can include Frequent coughing or wheezing A cough that produces a lot mucus Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity A whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe Tightness in your chest Some people with emphysema get frequent respiratory infections such as colds and the flu.
How is emphysema diagnosed? Your health care provider may use many tools to make a diagnosis: A medical history, which includes asking about your symptoms A family history Other tests tests, such as lung function tests , a chest x-ray or CT scan , and blood tests What are the treatments for emphysema?
Treatments include Lifestyle changes , such as Quitting smoking if you are a smoker. This is the most important step you can take to treat emphysema. This includes smoking cannabis. Smoking leads to the death of more than , Americans a year, and 80 percent of those deaths are caused by COPD, including emphysema.
Exposure to secondhand smoke also increases your risk of developing emphysema. Various tests can detect emphysema, including:. These may include:. Treatment aims to reduce symptoms and slow the progression of the disease with medications, therapies, or surgeries. If you smoke, the first step in treating emphysema is to quit smoking. You may need medications to help you withdraw from nicotine.
Consider discussing a cessation plan with your doctor. Pulmonary rehabilitation or moderate exercise such as walking can strengthen breathing muscles and alleviate 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 24 hours a day. Lung volume reduction surgery may be used to remove small parts of damaged lung, and a lung transplant can replace the entire lung. These are rare surgeries used only for people with severe emphysema. Emphysema might cause you to become underweight. Eating foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, like fruits and vegetables, is recommended to improve your overall health.
Getting vaccinated against certain infections, such as pneumonia, can help prevent you from getting an infection that could complicate emphysema. Joining a support group can help you connect with others who have the disease and share similar experiences.
Since emphysema is mainly caused by smoking tobacco, the best way to prevent it is to refrain from smoking. The outlook for people with emphysema varies based on its severity. Early detection of the disease is key, because people with emphysema can develop life threatening conditions when the lungs and heart become damaged over time.
With the aid of medications and therapies, you can live a long, healthy life with emphysema.
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