What is Emphysema and How to Treat It
Emphysema along with chronic bronchitis falls under the category of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The condition makes the air sacs present in the lungs burst. It can reduce the lung surface area and cause progressive breathing difficulties. While having breathing problems, there is not enough oxygen supply to the vital organs. This leads to injury as well as death of tissues, which can be ultimately life-threatening. Although the condition does not have any cure, treatment aims at symptomatic management and preventing worsening of lung damage. Based on the acuteness of the symptoms, read and know about how the condition is treated.
Bronchodilators
Such kinds of medicines are able to alleviate respiratory issues, coughing and shortness of breath by relaxing airways which are constricted. However, these are not as powerful for the treatment of emphysema as these are effective for curing chronic bronchitis or asthma.
Steroids
These are very useful for emphysema treatment. Doctors can prescribe corticosteroids in the form of an inhaler. These medicines reduce swelling and are able to alleviate the symptoms. Advair, one of the famous inhalers, which is a combination of fluticasone and salmeterol, are actually a mix of corticosteroid and bronchodilator.
Inhaled steroids
These are corticosteroids which are breathed in the form of aerosol sprays, and can assist in the alleviation of respiratory shortness. Long-term use of these steroids can make the bones weaker and enhance the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and cataracts.
Antibiotics
These medicines are perfect for alleviating cases of a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia or acute bronchitis.
Nutrition therapy
Patients can also get guidance regarding proper nutrition. During emphysema in the initial stages, a lot of people have to lose fat. Often, individuals suffering from late-stage emphysema have to gain some weight.
Pulmonary rehabilitation
This kind of program is used for emphysema patients, and consists of various breathing techniques and exercises which can make them breathe more easily as well as assist them in exercising better.
Lung volume reduction surgery
This is an invasive process in which small pieces of damaged tissues from the lung are removed by surgeons. The removal of damaged tissues can assist the rest of the lung tissue to inflate and work in a more effective manner, thus assisting in respiration.
Supplemental oxygen
In case of severe emphysema marked by low levels of oxygen in blood, regular administration of oxygen at home as well as breathing exercises can be helpful. A lot of people use supplemental oxygen all through the day.
DISCLAIMER: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.