What is Emphysema?

• Cigarette smoking (the main cause)
• Exposure to pollutants in the air, such as chemical fumes, dust, and other materials
• Irritating fumes and dust at work
• AAT deficiency-related pulmonary emphysema, also known as early-onset pulmonary emphysema, is a rare, hereditary form of the condition.

• You can't climb stairs because you're out of breath.
• When you strain yourselves, the lips or fingernails turn blue or grey.
• You're not behaving rationally.

Doctors at Medicover can help you get the right treatment and management for Emphysema.

• The most significant risk factor is smoking. Emphysema affects up to 75% of those who smoke or used to smoke.
• Long-term exposure to various lung irritants, such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust in the environment or at work.
• The most prevalent risk factor is age since most persons with emphysema are at least 40 years old when symptoms first appear.
• Smoke inhaled unknowingly from another person's cigarette, pipe, or cigar is known as secondhand smoke, also known as passive or ambient tobacco smoke. Being exposed to secondhand smoke raises your chances of developing emphysema.
• Breathing interior pollutants like heating fuel fumes, as well as outdoor pollutants like automobile emissions, for example, raises your chance of lung cancer.

• Pneumonia is a bacterial or viral infection that affects the lungs.
• Diseases of the respiratory tract
• Pneumothorax, in which air accumulates between the lungs and the chest cavity, causes lung collapse.
• Respiratory acidosis, in which lungs do not get enough oxygen.
• Hypoxemia, in which the lungs are unable to sufficiently oxygenate the blood.

• X-rays and CT scans to examine your lungs.
• Testing of your blood to see how well your lungs are transporting oxygen.
• Pulse oximetry to determines how much oxygen is in your blood.
• Lung function tests to determine how much air your lungs can hold and how well they carry oxygen to your bloodstream.
• Arterial blood gas to determine how much blood and carbon dioxide are in your blood.
• To examine heart function and rule out cardiac illness, an electrocardiogram (ECG) can be recommended.

• Quitting smoking If you smoke, give it up. This is the single most critical thing you can do to safeguard your lungs. It is never too late to make a change. Your doctor can assist you in determining the best technique for stopping smoking for you.
• Bronchodilator medications Medications that relax the muscles around the airways are known as bronchodilators. Asthma is commonly treated with them. Bronchodilators given through hand-held inhalants provide a faster onset of action and fewer adverse effects than oral drugs.
• Anti-inflammatory medication These drugs help to decrease inflammation in the lungs. These medications, on the other hand, have long-term negative effects such as osteoporosis, hypertension, excessive blood sugar, and fat redistribution.
• Oxygen therapy Oxygen therapy is used to treat people whose lungs aren't supplying enough oxygen to their blood (hypoxemia). These people are unable to absorb enough oxygen from the outside air and must rely on a machine to provide additional oxygen (a nasal catheter or a facemask).
• Lung volume reduction surgery Lung volume reduction surgery involves removing a piece of damaged lung tissue and then stitching the remaining tissue back together. This may assist restore lung flexibility and alleviating strain on the breathing muscles (or stretch). The surgery's outcomes have been quite favourable. This operation is not appropriate for all emphysema patients.

• Stop smoking This is the most crucial step you can take for your overall health, and it's the only way to prevent emphysema from progressing. If you need help quitting smoking, join a smoking cessation programme. Avoid secondhand smoke as much as possible.
• Avoid other respiratory irritants These include paint and car exhaust fumes, some culinary odours, some fragrances, and even burning candles and incense. To keep pollutants to a minimum, change the filters in your furnace and air conditioner regularly.
• Exercise regularly Try not to let your breathing problems keep you from getting regular exercise, which can significantly increase your lung capacity.
• Protect yourself from cold air The respiratory passageways might constrict when exposed to cold air, making breathing even more difficult. Before stepping outside in the cold, wrap a soft scarf around your mouth and nose or put on a cold-air mask by allowing warm air to enter your lungs.
• Get recommended vaccinations Make sure you get an annual flu vaccine and pneumonia immunizations if your doctor recommends them.
• Prevent respiratory infections Avoid direct contact with people who have a cold or the flu as much as possible. Wear a face mask, wash your hands often, and carry a small bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitiser with you if you have to interact with large groups of people during the cold and flu season.