Emphysema
About Emphysema
A type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involving damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. The most common cause of the disorder is smoking. The walls of the alveoli become destroyed decreasing a patient's ability to get oxygen into the blood. If patients continue to smoke the destruction becomes worse resulting in the need for chronic oxygen use, eventual damage to the heart, and lung failure.Symptoms
Symptoms at first are mild then become rapidly progressively worse. Symptoms include: shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, reduced capacity for physical activity, loss of appetite and weight, and fatigue.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be done. Other tests to confirm the diagnosis may include: pulmonary function tests, chest x-ray, chest CT scan, arterial blood gas, and sputum examination.Common tests: CT Scan, Pulmonary function Test, X-ray.
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Therapy depends on the severity of the symptoms. Treatment includes bronchodilators (albuterol/Proventil, Combivent, Duoneb, Xopenex), inhaled steroids (Advair, Symbicort, Pulmicort), supplemental oxygen, pulmonary rehabilitation, and antibiotics for associated infections. Severe cases may require surgery to remove damaged lung, and/or a lung transplant. The most important aspect of treatment is to stop smoking.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Pulmonology · Family Practice
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Emphysema.