Emphysema is a lung condition where air sacs lose elasticity and are destroyed. Severe emphysema is the third stage, causing shortness of breath and requiring supplemental oxygen. Smoking and pollution increase the risk, and lifestyle changes can reduce progression. Treatment includes medication and oxygen, and medical care is important to prevent pneumonia.
Emphysema is a medical condition in which the air sacs located in the lungs are gradually destroyed and lose their elasticity. Severe emphysema is the third stage of this disease, and individuals who have advanced to this stage are usually required to use supplemental oxygen to help with breathing.
The air sacs involved in emphysema, called the walls of the alveoli, are responsible for exchanging carbon dioxide in the blood for oxygen. Although severe emphysema is classified as Stage III, there are actually four stages to this disease. Stage 0 individuals typically have a chronic cough and are at risk of developing emphysema. People in stages I to III have already advanced to the early stages of emphysema and have limitations to their airflow. These changes appear in lung function tests as the disease progresses.
The transformation from stage I or mild emphysema to stage III or severe develops slowly. While the earlier stages of emphysema are typically marked by chronic coughing, people with severe emphysema often experience shortness of breath even when at rest. They can also develop orthopenia, a condition in which a person cannot catch their breath when they lie down to sleep. This forces her to sleep in a chair or sleep sitting up against a pillow.
Even though cigarette smoking is the main cause of emphysema, secondhand smoke and secondhand smoke can also increase your risk of developing the condition. Other factors that can contribute to emphysema can include outdoor air pollution or occupational chemicals. Smoke from cooking in the kitchen or the fuel used to heat a home are also bigger risk factors.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, there are still a few things that can reduce the risk of the disease progressing from stable to severe emphysema. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and limiting exposure to secondhand smoke can reduce this risk. Emphysema sufferers should also avoid vigorous exercise when outside air quality is poor.
If the disease progresses to severe emphysema, management may include the use of long-acting bronchodilators, short-acting bronchodilators, and oxygen as needed. It is also important for people to seek medical care for colds and other sinus conditions that could lead to the development of pneumonia. Antibiotics may be prescribed to help fight off these types of infections and to help reduce the chance of pneumonia.
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