Emphysema

Disease information

Emphysema

Emphysema.

It is a chronic disease of the respiratory system.

It is characterized by abnormal widening of the alveoli - sacs or where the air is stored, and is accompanied by destruction of their walls, resulting in loss of lung elasticity and the formation of "Bull" or sacks filled with air (but useless for respiration)

It affects adults after 35 years and more men than women.

Causes.

The basic cause is unknown but there are elements that, at least, what they get worse:

The snuff.

Air pollution.

Respiratory Infections.

Allergies.

Family history of emphysema.

Hereditary factors.

Certain jobs such as mining or glassblowing.

Signs and symptoms.

Very little in the early stages.

The most disturbing symptom is the progressive lack of breath (dyspnoea)

Recurrent infections.

Cough.

Weight loss.

Risk Factors.

Smoking.

Mining jobs.

Glassblowing.

Musicians of wind.

Repeated lung infections.

Prevention.

No smoking.

Avoid sites with polluted air.

Moderate exercise outdoors.

Prevent colds and flu, through vaccination.

To avoid people with respiratory infections.

Treat lung infections with antibiotics.

Employ the means of individual and collective protection suitable for work with this risk.

Diagnosis and Treatment.

DIAGNOSIS:

For diagnosis are used blood tests, chest X - ray and pulmonary respiratory tests such as spirometry or body plethysmography.

TREATMENT:

The treatment is aimed at:

improve symptoms.

reduce disease progression.

prevent complications.

The transplantation is rarely mentioned.

General Measures.

Raise the height of the head of the bed to prevent the deposit of mucus in the respiratory tract.

Physiotherapy (respiratory exercises to expel the secrecciones)

Avoid contamination.

Moisten the atmosphere.

Medication.

Antibiotics.

Bronchodilators.

Inhaled steroids.

Immunization against influenza and colds.

Oxygen is needed in the final stages.

Activity.

Must take place throughout the year to allow the situation.

Diet.

Take plenty of fluids.

Complications.

Lung infections.

Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD see)

Lung collapse and failure.

Congestive heart failure ("Cor pulmonale")

Forecast.

Incurable.

The control of symptoms can lead to living a long time.

Without treatment, complications are fatal and very short term.

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