Emphysema is a progressive and chronic obstructive lung disease. It results in change in the structural appearance of the lung because the supportive tissues giving lung a shape are damaged. The function of the lung is also obstructed hampering exhalation in patients. This happens because the inflated and swollen alveoli do not exchange gases when a person breaths due to little or no movement of gases out of the alveoli.
1. My shortness of breath has been diagnosed as Emphysema. What has caused this condition?
There could be a variety of reasons why you may have developed Emphysema. Some of the causes are as:
• Cigarette smoking where the tobacco and nicotine smoke activates inflammatory response in the cells of the lungs causing swelling within the bronchioles, and activation of enzymes called proteases which attack and destroy lung tissue
• Deficiency of Alpha-1-antitrypsin may cause Emphysema. This substance destroys the harming trypsin that damage lung tissue and structure. People with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency cannot fight the destructive effects of trypsin once it is released in the lung. The lung tissue is slowly destroyed, thus decreasing the functional ability of the lungs
• Old age also causes emphysema whereby the lungs have deteriorated due to age.
• Exposure to air pollution, second-hand smoke or other chemicals and toxins can cause emphysema.
• Heridity.
• Intravenous drug using additives such as corn starch can be toxic to lung tissue.
• Immune deficiencies in which infections like Pneumocystis carinii can cause inflammatory changes in the lung
• Connective tissue illnesses (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Marfan syndrome) where abnormal elastic tissue in the body can cause alveoli to fail can also cause Emphysema conditions.
2. Apart from shortness of breath, am I likely to experience any other symptoms?
You could experience any or a combination of any of the following symptoms:
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Cough with or without mucus
• Reduced ability to exert
• Pursed lip-breathing
• Development of barrel chest shape
• Cyanosis – bluish skin
• Loss of weight
3. Am I a risk group for emphysema?
You will be a part of the risk group, if:
• You smoke or use any nicotine product
• You are exposed to air pollution like dust and toxic gases for long hours
• You inhale second-hand smoke
• You are between 40 and 60 years of age
• You are exposed to indoor air pollution
• You have connective tissue disorder
• You have AIDS
• You are on immunosuppressant drugs
• If you have airway reactivity
• You have inherited emphysema genes
4. How can you be certain that I have emphysema?
There are several diagnostic tests that are used to ascertain the presence of Emphysema in a person. Any of the tests or a combination of these tests may be used by the doctor to confirm Emphysema:
• Chest X-ray and CT Scan will enable the doctors to see any bulla and holes on lung surface and the extent of supportive lung tissue damage
• Arterial blood gas test to check on the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood and thereby seeing the efficacy of lung function.
• Pulmonary function test helps detect the development of emphysema even when the condition is asymptomatic.
• Oximetry helps determine the blood oxygen to help decide if supplemental oxygen is required.
• Spirometery test to evaluate the response of any medication that has been administered as vapour
• Sputum test and culture will help determine the cause of the condition
• Blood test to see the number of RBC, WBC etc
5. Is Emphysema contagious?
Emphysema is not an infectious disease. You can get emphysema only by smoking, or in some rare cases, by heredity.
ALL INFORMATION GIVEN IN THIS ADVOCACY SHEET IS TO BE CHECKED WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE IMPLEMENTING THEM OR TAKING THEM AS STANDARD OR VERIFIED.
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co.) and the upcoming Rev Up Your Life! (Publisher: Hay House India). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com and http://www.footstrike.wordpress.com