Emphysema?
Anyone know anything about it. How long you can live with it if you are in the early stages of it?? Treatments?
Answers:
I have emphysema bullious emphysema as a matter of fact. I am 48 and have been living with this for 16 years. If you take care of yourself and take the medications your doctor prescribed and quit smoking if you smoke that is, you can live a long time. I am in the end stage now and have to take breathing treatments frequently. I am in the emergency room and in the hospital a lot. But I didnt listen to my docs at first-I was in complete denial for a long time. Dont make the same mistake I made--I cant even walk the length of my house because of weakness and even taking a shower gets me winded. You need to see a lung specialist-they will know the latest treatments and meds--do what they say--you wont regret it
Look dear,this is a disease characterized by over distention of airspaces distal to terminal bronchioles with destruction of alveolar septa
Types:centrilobular ,panacinar,atrophic or senile emphysema,compensatory emphysema
Etiology:
increased intra-alveolar pressure as a result of chronic coughing due to inflammation & smoking
Bronchial asthma
Deficiency of alpha anti trypsin[10%]
Gross picture:
Both lungs r voluminous & fill the chest cavity .The lungs don't collapse when chest is opened due to loss of elasticity.They r pale & dryLarge bullae may project on the surface particularly in the region of the apex.
Effects:
1-Barrel shaped chest[the antero posterior diameter is more or less equal to the transverse diameter]
2-Increased residual air volume resulting in reduction of alveolar oxygen tention which causes compensatory increase in respiratory rate & dyspnea
Complications:
1-Right sided heart failure due to pulmonary hypertention
2-spontaneous pneumothorax due to rupture of emphysematous bullae
Emphysema is an irreversible degenerative condition. The most important measure that can be taken to slow the progression of emphysema is for the patient to stop smoking and avoid all exposure to cigarette smoke and lung irritants. Pulmonary rehabilitation can be very helpful to optimize the patients quality of life and teach the patient how to actively manage his or her care. It is treated by supporting the breathing with anticholinergics, bronchodilators and (inhaled or oral) steroid medication, and supplemental oxygen as required. Treating patient's other conditions including gastric reflux and allergies may also help the patient's lung function. Supplemental oxygen used as prescribed (20+ hours/day) is the only non-surgical treatment which has been shown to prolong life in emphysema patients. Other medications are being researched. There are lightweight portable oxygen systems which allow patients increasing mobility. Patients fly, cruise, and work while using supplemental oxygen.
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