Emphysema is a progressive condition that destroys lung tissue and impairs breathing. Diagnosis involves imaging and pulmonary function tests. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and skin discoloration. Smoking cessation is crucial for treatment, along with inhalant medication and supplemental oxygen. Severe cases may require a lung transplant.
The sequential development of signs and symptoms accompanying the presence of emphysema is known as the pathophysiology of emphysema. Considered a contributor to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the pathophysiology of emphysema manifests as destruction of lung tissue that initially impairs and ultimately impairs the ability to breathe properly. Frequently diagnosed in current and former smokers, there is no cure for this progressive condition, so treatment is usually focused on managing symptoms to slow its progression.
Persistent difficulty breathing usually requires a visit to a doctor to determine the cause of your impaired breathing. A variety of laboratory, imaging, and breathing tests are typically administered to confirm a diagnosis of emphysema. Of all the diagnostic tests performed, imaging tests, including a computed tomography (CT) scan and chest X-ray, and pulmonary function tests, which measure the function and volume of the lungs, are usually the most valuable because the acquired results can confirm a diagnosis of emphysema in the absence of pronounced symptomatic manifestation and lung damage.
During the early stages of its development, the pathophysiology of emphysema generally induces pronounced fatigue and shortness of breath with little or no exertion. Individuals may occasionally feel a tightness in the chest or wheezing when breathing deeply, presenting either or both symptoms can negatively impact their ability to complete daily activities. As the pathophysiology of emphysema progresses, a symptomatic individual’s physical abilities may be impaired, ultimately limiting his or her activity level.
As healthy lung tissue decreases and blood oxygen levels decrease, symptomatic individuals may develop skin and nail discoloration that presents as a gray hue. Over time, the limitations that emphysema places on an individual’s physical abilities can lead to a pronounced change in one’s physical appearance, as often occurs with involuntary weight loss or exhaustion. Additionally, the continued death of tissue in the lungs can leave a person increasingly susceptible to infections and trigger a discharge of discolored sputum when coughing.
Individuals with work-induced emphysema, such as those who have worked around fumes and hazardous materials for many years, may be at a higher risk for a more pronounced presentation of the disease. The existence of certain underlying medical conditions may also negatively impact the pathophysiology of emphysema symptoms and promote more pronounced symptom progression. In addition to age and the combination of certain environmental factors, smokers often have a higher risk and presentation of emphysemic symptoms.
Considering that most cases of emphysema are diagnosed among smokers, smoking cessation is a key part of any treatment approach to slow the progression of this debilitating condition. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, often involving the use of an inhalant medication that can be used to relax airway constriction and relieve symptoms. Moderate to severe cases may require the administration of periodic or continuous supplemental oxygen. In situations where traditional treatment approaches do little to relieve advanced emphysemic symptoms, individuals must meet established criteria to qualify for lung transplant candidacy.
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