Emphysema is a chronic respiratory disease that damages lung tissue, making breathing difficult and preventing oxygen from entering the bloodstream. Smoking is the most common cause, and symptoms include shortness of breath, weakness, and wheezing. There is no cure, but quitting smoking, medication, exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can help slow the disease’s progression.
Emphysema is a chronic respiratory disease in the category of diseases known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. The condition makes breathing difficult and prevents adequate oxygen from reaching the bloodstream. The effect of emphysema on the lungs is extremely destructive and the damage is irreversible, although symptoms and progression can be managed to some extent.
The effect of emphysema on the lungs is a gradual destruction of lung tissue, particularly in the air sacs that help the lungs expel carbon dioxide during breathing. When the sacs are damaged, the effect of the emphysema increases, causing the lungs to lose elasticity and fail to deflate completely when you exhale. This process means that with each breath, old air becomes trapped in the lungs, preventing new, oxygenated air from entering and supplying the body.
Emphysema is most often caused by smoking, and the effect of emphysema on the lungs generally increases with continued exposure to an irritant such as smoke. People diagnosed with emphysema have typically experienced symptoms from the effects of the emphysema and therefore may already have severe lung damage. There are other causes of emphysema, including certain protein deficiencies, exposure to heavy air pollution or industrial fumes, and problems with connective tissue disorders.
Early symptoms that may indicate the effect of emphysema on the lungs include shortness of breath, loss of physical stamina, weakness, wheezing, or a chronic productive cough. Other symptoms include signs of poor circulation, such as a bluish tint to the nails, or breathing problems that increase significantly from colds or hay fever. People who regularly experience these symptoms are generally advised to see a doctor, particularly if they smoke or are regularly exposed to pollutant fumes.
There is no cure for emphysema, but in some cases, the progression of the disease’s destructive effects can be slowed. Smokers are always advised to quit smoking immediately, while those who have developed the condition due to pollution may be encouraged to relocate or change jobs to prevent further harm. There are some medications that can help with breathing, including bronchodilators and steroid inhalers. In some cases, a lung transplant may be the only viable option.
Other lifestyle changes that may help slow the effect of emphysema on the lungs include regular exercise, which is known to increase lung capacity. Doctors recommend seasonal flu shots for emphysema sufferers, as getting sick can significantly worsen symptoms and lead to complications such as pneumonia and respiratory infections. Maintaining a healthy weight is also key, as people who are overweight or obese have greater lung strain and a greater need for oxygen.
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