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Emphysema is a chronic disease that involves excessive inflation of the lungs and destruction of the alveoli in the lungs, as a result of which the body's oxygen supply becomes increasingly poor, the German Professional Association of Pulmonologists said.
The association explained that the causes of emphysema are smoking, inhaling other pollutants (such as fine dust), and scarring of lung tissue.
Causes also include chronic inflammatory processes occurring in the context of chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Symptoms
Symptoms of emphysema include shortness of breath (at first only during physical exertion, and later also during rest), cough, decreased ability to exert effort, and increased susceptibility to infection.
In the advanced stage, the lips and nails appear blue (cyanosis) and the chest takes on the shape of a barrel (barrel chest) in addition to severe emaciation with muscle loss.
Emphysema is diagnosed by X-rays, CT scans, blood tests, and lung function tests.
Treatment methods
Emphysema is treated with medications, along with breathing exercises, inhaling saline, drinking enough fluids, and quitting smoking.
In advanced emphysema, long-term oxygen therapy may be required, in addition to the possibility of undergoing surgery. In very severe cases, a lung transplant may be performed.
It is also important for people with emphysema to receive vaccination against pneumococcal and influenza viruses, with prompt treatment for acute respiratory infections.
The German Association pointed out that emphysema is an incurable disease, but continuous treatment with smoking cessation contributes to slowing or stopping the development of emphysema. It is worth noting that life expectancy depends largely on the severity of the disease and the extent of the treatment of emphysema.
