Emphysema
(Lung Disease)
In this condition factsheet:
Diagnosing Emphysema
A doctor who suspects emphysema will likely want to know your history and will also perform lung function tests. The tests may include:
- spirometry: The forced expiratory volume exhaled after one second (FEV1) test measures the amount of air you can exhale in one second. The forced vital capacity (FVC) test measures the total amount of air that the lungs can expel. These are the most common measures of lung function.
- pulmonary function tests: These include spirometry, but also measurements of lung size, oxygenation, and gas diffusion testing.
- chest X-ray or high-resolution CAT scan: A scan is often needed to eliminate the possibility of other medical conditions, such as lung fibrosis or other lung diseases.
- oximetry: Measurement of oxygen in the blood is tested by a small device that clips on the finger, toe, or ear.
- arterial blood gases: Blood tests provide relevant information on the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your bloodstream.
Treating and Preventing Emphysema
The first treatment for emphysema is to stop smoking. Your lungs won't repair themselves, but at least further damage can be slowed.
Treatments include:
- Bronchodilators such as beta-agonists and anticholinergic medications, which help to relax and open the airways.
- Corticosteroids that reduce inflammation may be used, and these may prevent flare-ups that require hospitalization.
- Antibiotics when there is evidence of infection.
- Exercise can help strengthen muscles so that less demand is placed on the lungs with activity.
- Lung surgery, or a lung transplant, can be lifesaving in the small number of people who are candidates for it. In a surgery called lung volume reduction, the most diseased part of the lung (20% to 30%) is removed. This allows the remaining lung and muscles to work better, improving breathing. Research is ongoing to determine if the same benefit can be achieved by removing the emphysematous lung tissue non-surgically (i.e., by using valves or glue). Other research is assessing if coil springs can be inserted into the lungs to regain elasticity.
- Oxygen therapy, which is used to increase the percentage of oxygen that the body receives on each breath. Machines that concentrate oxygen may be used in the home.
- Purified human alpha-1-antitrypsin for treatment of emphysema due to alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.
- Vaccinations against COVID-19, influenza, and pneumonia, as recommended by your doctor to help avoid respiratory infections. This doesn't treat the emphysema but can prevent flare-ups.
For the vast majority of people with emphysema, the best way to prevent it and slow it down is to not smoke. This outweighs all other considerations.
Following these tips can help protect your lungs if you have emphysema:
- Avoid secondhand smoke.
- Avoid air pollution as much as possible.
- Exercise when possible
- Use air conditioning with a filter and humidity control.
- Avoid allergic "triggers" that can aggravate emphysema if asthma coexists.
- Avoid cold air, which can cause the lungs to spasm
- Avoid high altitudes.
- Wash your hands and brush your teeth frequently to avoid infections.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Emphysema
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