Overview of emphysema

Emphysema refers to a condition in which airflow is limited to certain states, that is contained within the disease state called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Just like asthma can no longer be grouped under COPD, the current definition of COPD put forward by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) also no longer differentiates between emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Emphysema can be pathologically defined to an abnormal permanent enlargement of the air spaces situated distal to the terminal bronchioles, accompanied with the destruction of alveolar walls and without any serious fibrosis. This process results in a reduced gas exchange, changes in the airway dynamics which impairs expiratory airflow, and progressive air trapping. Medically, the term emphysema can be used interchangeably with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.

Causes

In majority of the cases, emphysema and COPD results from cigarette smoking. Although, up to 25% of people with COPD have never smoked. Other different causes appear to be genetic factors, like an alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and exposure to various environmental irritants, involving secondhand smoke, workplace pollutants, air pollution, and some biomass fuels.

People having small airways with respect to their lung size can be even more risky than those with wider airways. In many cases, not all people who smoke develop emphysema. It may be due to the fact  that genetic factors make few people more susceptible to the condition. Emphysema is non contagious. It means that it does not spread from one person to another.

Treatments

 The treatment to cure emphysema, are discussed as follows:

• Slowing down the progress of the condition.

• Manage the symptoms.

• Prevent any further complications.

• Boost a person’s overall health and well-being

• Some supportive therapy involves oxygen therapy and helps in quitting smoking.  

Drug therapies

The major medications for emphysema include inhaled bronchodilators, that  help relieve symptoms. These relax and open the airways, thereby making it easier for a person to breathe.

The inhaler delivers the following bronchodilators:

• Beta-agonists, that relax bronchial smooth muscles and help clear mucus.

• Anticholinergics, or antimuscarinics, like albuterol (Ventolin), that relax bronchial smooth muscle.

• Inhaled steroids, like that of fluticasone, which help reduce inflammation.

When a person uses these drugs regularly, then these options can help improve lung function and increase exercise capacity. There are various short-acting and long-acting drugs, and people can combine them. Treatment can also change over time and as the condition progresses.

Oxygen therapy

With time, breathing becomes more difficult and a person can feel the need of oxygen therapy for some or all of the time. Few people use oxygen overnight. Different devices are available, including large tanks that can be for home use and portable oxygen kits meant for traveling purposes.  

 Prevention

A person should avoid or quit smoking. It is the only best way to prevent emphysema from developing or getting worse. Other strategies may include:

• Eating a balanced and a healthy diet.

• A person should maintain a moderate weight.

• If possible, people should try avoiding air pollution.

• Should take necessary steps to prevent infection, like receiving routine vaccinations.

Conclusion

Emphysema includes irreversible damage to the lungs that may eventually be life threatening. It mainly affects people who smoke, but people who do not smoke may develop it, too. Seeking early diagnosis and treatment, taking measures to manage the condition can greatly help to enhance a person’s health and well-being and may improve their life span too. Here we come to an end of this topic. We hope that you were able to get a clear concept of the topic.