1. What treatment will be prescribed for my Emphysema?
The treatment will depend upon seriousness of your condition i.e. the extent of lung damage and the decision your doctor takes on the basis of the diagnostic reports, physical examination, and your medical history. However, the following lines of treatment/management are popularly prescribed:
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation – This involves giving up of smoking through counseling and education, anti-addiction medication, incorporation of exercises, interaction with support groups and behavioral therapy.
• Bronchodilators – Medications like Albuterol help the bronchioles to dilates and allow more oxygen to enter the lungs. It also relaxes the smooth muscles of the air ways. Another such drug is Ipratropium Bromide which is used in mild cases. Tiotropium has longer effect on the air ducts. Methylxanthines are also effective as bronchodilators but need to be administered with care due to several drug interactions of the compound.
• Steroids – Inhaled steroids help reduce inflation in the body and help reduce the swellings in the alveoli.
• GERD – Relieving the trauma of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease reduces the chances of aggravation of air ways in Emphysema patients.
• Oxygen supplementation – This may be required in severe and emergency cases. Machine- (ventilator-) assisted breathing and under the supervision (for control and monitoring of volume of air flow) of paramedics may be required.
• Vaccines – Innoculations to protect a person from infections of the respiratory system help reduce a persons chances of Emphysema development.
• Antibiotics help those who experience acute shortness of breath in Emphysema. Even when the CT scan does not show a chest infection, antibiotics helps reduce the episodes of dyspnoea
• Surgery – This may be the last resort to save a severely and largely damaged lung. It is not recommended to many emphysema patients. Surgery is done using minimal invasive procedures. At times a lung transplant may be the only hope for an emphysema patient.
2. Is it likely that I have to undergo surgery?
This depends upon the severity of your condition and the decision your doctor takes based on physical examination, diagnostic reports and your medical history. However, in a very few cases, the doctor may recommend a lung volume reduction surgery where the upper lobes of the lungs are affected. This is a minimally invasive procedure. In fewer cases still, a lung transplant may be called for because of the large extent to which the lung has been irreversibly damaged.
3. What are the tips to prevent emphysema from recurring?
Prevention is most effective by stopping of smoking cigarettes, cigars and any other nicotine or tobacco product. It also depends on how cautious you are about avoiding second-hand smoke, chemical fumes and air pollution. A relapse could also be prevented by taking medications and going for follow-ups regularly, exercising frequently and take vaccines that prevent respiratory infections from happening.
4. What is the prognosis for emphysema patients?
Emphysema is a progressive disease though the modern management and procedures slow the advancement of the condition and enable people to live afflicted with emphysema an almost normal life. Cessation of smoking or exposure to smoke and other air pollutants and regular follow ups and pulmonary rehabilitation will be critical in the success of emphysema management. It has also been observed that addressing issues of gastric reflux, allergies, effective body positioning, breathing support will aid in creating a better quality life for those with emphysema.
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