1. Educate Yourself
One of the first ways to cope with different stages of emphysema is to educate yourself on managing symptoms. There is currently no cure for emphysema, but by learning ways to manage symptoms effectively, it can improve your quality of life. Talk with your doctor about treatment options. Identify and reduce triggers that may exacerbate your symptoms such as allergens. People with emphysema are prone to respiratory infections such as pneumonia. Take precautions to avoid illnesses such as frequent hand washing.
2. Lose Unhealthy Habits
Because emphysema can become worse, especially if you continue to smoke, it's important to leave unhealthy habits behind. In the early stages of the diagnosis, quitting smoking is essential to prevent further damage to your lungs. Although it may be difficult to break the addiction, there is help available in the form of medications, hypnosis and smoking cessation classes. Having to deal with emphysema may make you feel helpless. Taking actions to improve your overall health may help you gain some control. It can help you both physically and emotionally.
3. Get Support
As emphysema progresses, it may start to impact all areas of your life including your work and family life. You may feel you don't have the stamina to do everything your once did. This can be both depressing and isolating. Talk with your family and friends and let them know how they can help. You may need help with chores that tire you out. Consider joining a support group for people with emphysema. It may be helpful to share experiences and get tips from people going through the same thing.
4. Cope with Emphysema with Oxygen
When emphysema symptoms become worse in the later stages of the disease, oxygen levels may decrease in the body. People with the disease have trouble getting enough air in and out of the lungs. As oxygen levels dip below normal it can cause fatigue, confusion and other organs to function improperly. Supplemental oxygen for home use may be needed. Your doctor will have you undergo a few tests to determine if you are a candidate for home oxygen use.
5. Severe Emphysema Makes Breathing Almost Impossible
In advanced stages of emphysema, it may be difficult to breath. The inability to exhale all the carbon dioxide out causes it to build up in the blood. This can cause several problems and be dangerous. Wearing a bipap device can help. Using bipap involves wearing a mask similar to an oxygen mask. Pressure is delivered to the lungs through the mask. The pressure helps decrease the work of breathing and helps make getting rid of carbon dioxide easier. It can also improve oxygen levels in the body. Bipap machines are available for home use. Most people with emphysema only use bipap during times when symptoms become severe.
