Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) that overly expands lung sacs, thereby trapping air and destroying lung tissue. Causes of emphysema include long-term smoking or genetic predisposition. People with emphysema experience shortness of breath, coughing and mucus production. Many people with emphysema are known as "pink puffers" due to their characteristic pink complexion and their need to purse their lips while breathing. Such action helps people with emphysema breath out more easily.
Oxygen
People with emphysema tend to be on supplemental oxygen for 24 hours a day or less, depending on the severity of their condition. Supplemental oxygen ensures that people with emphysema have adequate oxygenation to their lungs. Portable units enable patients to be treated at home. However, when people experience worsening symptoms of emphysema, hospitals treat them with a high-flow oxygen mask, called non-invasive positive pressure ventilation. With life-threatening symptoms, hospitals place a breathing tube into the trachea, or windpipe, to potentially save people with severe emphysema.
Systemic Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids decrease the severity of emphysema symptoms and lessen the length of hospital stay.
Bronchodilators
Bronchodilators such as albuterol provide symptomatic relief. By widening airways leading to the lung sacs, people with emphysema breathe better and cough less.
Lung Rehabilitation
A regular schedule of exercise strengthens lung muscles and improves symptoms of emphysema.
Lung Volume Reduction Surgery
Rarely, people with emphysema have surgery to remove damaged parts of their lung. Theoretically, removing maximally expanded lung sacs or damaged tissue, enables people with emphysema to breath more easily. Lung volume reduction surgery remains experimental.
References
- "Pulmonary Medicine"; Hannaman, Robert et. al; 2009
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Fauci, Anthony et. al; 2008
