Question

Emphysema - definition, causes, signs and symptoms, complications, diagnosis, treatment, prevention

Answer 1

BONJOUR MATE!!

DEFINITION:

• Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The air sacs in the lungs become damaged and stretched.
• This results in a chronic cough and difficulty breathing.
• Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It involves the loss of elasticity and enlargement of the air sacs in the lung.
• The alveoli at the end of the bronchioles of the lung become enlarged because their walls break down or the air sacs are destroyed, narrowed, collapsed, stretched, or over-inflated.
• Having fewer and larger damaged sacs means there is a reduced surface area for the exchange of oxygen into the blood and carbon dioxide out of it.
• The damage is permanent. The ability to breathe properly cannot be fully recovered.

CAUSES:

• Smoking is the most common cause, but emphysema can also be genetic.
• There is no cure, but quitting smoking can stop emphysema from getting worse.
• Most cases of emphysema are due to cigarette smoking.

SYMPTOMS:

• Shortness of breath and cough are the main symptoms of emphysema.
• Two of the key symptoms of emphysema are shortness of breath and a chronic cough. These appear in the early stages.
• A person with shortness of breath, or dyspnea, feels being unable to catch a breath.
• This may start only during physical exertion, but as the disease progresses, it can start to happen during rest, too.
• Emphysema and COPD develop over a number of years.
• In the later stages, the person may have:
• Emphysema chronic cough
• A chronic cough is one of the early signs of emphysema, alongside shortness of breath.
• frequent lung infections
• a lot of mucus
• wheezing
• reduced appetite and weight loss
• fatigue
• blue-tinged lips or fingernail beds, or cyanosis, due to a lack of oxygen
• anxiety and depression
• sleep problems
• morning headaches due to a lack of oxygen, when breathing at night is difficult
• Other conditions share many of the symptoms of emphysema and COPD, so it is important to seek medical advice.

TREATMENT

• Treatment of COPD and emphysema aims to stabilize the condition and prevent complications through the use of medication and supportive therapy.
• Supportive therapy includes oxygen therapy and help with smoking cessation.

• Drug Therapies
• Oxygen Therapy
• Surgery
• Treatment of Exacerbations
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Lifestyle Management

DIAGNOSIS

• A doctor will carry out a physical examination and ask the patient about their symptoms and medical history.
• Some diagnostic tests may also be used, to confirm that the patient has emphysema rather than asthma and heart failure.
• If the patient has never smoked, a test may be carried out to see if the person has an α1-antitrypsin deficiency.

PREVENTION

• Avoiding or quitting smoking is the best way to prevent emphysema or stop it from getting worse.
• Vaccination can help prevent COPD and emphysema from getting worse.
• An annual flu immunization is required, and a 5-yearly one against pneumonia may be recommended.
• Nutrition : Reduced lung capacity places higher energy demand on daily activities, so people with emphysema can be at risk of weight loss and nutritional deficiency.
• Some people with emphysema are overweight or obese, and they are encouraged to lose weight, as these conditions can lead to further ill health.
• A healthful diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and wholegrains and a low intake of fat and sugar is important.

                  HOPE IT HELPS YOU!!

Answer 2

Answer:

Recovery story of my COPD condition

Explanation:

I'm 59 years old and female. I was diagnosed a couple of years ago with COPD and I was beyond scared! My lung function test indicated 49% capacity. After having had flu a year ago, the shortness of breath, coughing and chest pains continued even after being treated with antibiotics. I've been smoking two packs a day for 36 years. Being born without a sternum caused my ribs to be curled in just one inch away from my spine, resulting to underdeveloped lungs. At age 34 I had surgery and it was fixed. Unfortunately my smoking just caused more damage to my already under developed lungs. The problem was having is that I enjoy smoking and don't want to give up! Have tried twice before and nearly went crazy and don't want to go through that again. I saw the fear in my husband and children's eyes when I told them about my condition then they start to find solution on their own to help my condition.I am an 59 now who was diagnose COPD emphysema which I know was from my years of smoking. I started smoking in school when smoking was socially acceptable. I remember when smoking was permitted in hospitals. It was not known then how dangerous cigarettes were for us, and it seemed everybody smoked but i was able to get rid of my COPD lung condition through the help of total cure herbal foundation my husband bought, totalcureherbsfoundation com has the right herbal formula to help you get rid and repair any lung conditions and cure you totally with their natural organic herbs,it class products at affordable prices. Purchase these medicines and get the generic medicines delivered in USA, UK & Australia,I wish anybody who starts smoking at a young age would realize what will eventually happen to their bodies if they continue that vile habit throughout their life.