Symptoms and Treatment of Emphysema

Rate This Story

0 Votes So Far

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Emphysema, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a chronic illness of the lungs. Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is a principle indicator of the disease of emphysema. In the beginning of the illness, this shortness of breath occurs during physical activity.

Later, as the disease progresses, episodes of dyspnea can even occur when the individual is at rest. This shortness of breath occurs because emphysema involves damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, making oxygenation of the body more difficult and taxing.

Coughing persistently is another sign of emphysema. Smoker’s cough is a hacking, productive cough characteristic of emphysema. Emphysema, after all, is primarily caused by smoking. Smoking cessation is the most important start to treatment for emphysema. While the condition cannot be reversed, quitting smoking can greatly slow the progression of the illness.

Bronchodilators are inhaled steroids that can reduce inflammation and open the airways, allowing for easier breathing. Also, the reduction of inflammation can reduce coughing and mucus production, reducing risk of respiratory infection.

Other treatments include corticosteroids (oral steroids) which may be administered during symptom flare-ups, or in severe cases, as a daily treatment. Antibiotics are often prescribed during respiratory infections caused by the mucus production in the lungs. Pneumonia is a common complication of emphysema. Finally, as the disease progresses, patients may require oxygen therapy every night or even constantly, to maintain proper oxygen levels.

Information on this page is for reference and educational purposes only. For more information about emphysema, talk to your doctor or primary care provider.

Rate This Story

0 Votes So Far

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more.

Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

About Scott Ridl:

Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more. Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *