Emphysema – Causes and Treatment
Emphysema is a serious disorder of the lungs. It develops when the air sacs or alveoli in the lungs are destroyed. This is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Destruction of the air sacs prevents your body from getting sufficient oxygen, developing breathing difficulties.
Causes of emphysema
Smoking is the major cause of this lung disorder. Even prolonged exposure to secondhand smoking could cause emphysema.
Thousands of harmful toxins present in tobacco smoke gradually destroy the air sacs and the airways, causing respiratory difficulties. Prolonged exposure to pollutants, dust and fumes, both indoors and outdoors, could cause this condition.
People with connective tissue disorders have a risk of developing this illness of the lungs. Emphysema could even develop in non-smokers who have a deficiency of a specific protein known as AAt. This genetic condition accounts for a small number of emphysema cases.
AAt is essential for preserving the elasticity of the air sacs and other elastic structures present in the lungs. Absence of the protein destroys the elastic structures, damaging the air sacs, and leading to emphysema. Non-smokers with AAt deficiency usually develop emphysema late in life. However, if a smoker lacks this protein, he could develop emphysema even in his 30s or early 40s.
Symptoms of emphysema
The symptoms of emphysema develop gradually. Shortness of breath, especially after physical activities, is the most common symptom of this lung problem. This is accompanied by tightness of the chest, wheezing, chronic cough, fatigue, poor appetite and weight loss.
Emphysema treatment
Unfortunately, emphysema could not be cured. By modifying your lifestyle, you can cope with this chronic lung illness. Deep breathing exercises could help to improve your lung function. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises are beneficial for people suffering from emphysema.
People suffering from this lung disorder should quit smoking and stay away from pollutants and fumes. Steps should be taken to prevent respiratory infection, coughs and cold. Although, excess physical activities would exhaust you, moderate exercises such as walking, biking or swimming might be good for your lungs.
Emphysema often makes a person underweight. Eat nutritious balanced meals that would help you to retain your normal body mass.
