Difficulty breathing and wheezing may be a warning sign of emphysema. Emphysema is a chronic respiratory disease that gradually erodes the function of the lungs, making daily life difficult. However, with proper medical treatment, patients with emphysema can relieve their symptoms and regain their breathing pleasures. This article will detail the symptoms, harms, and medical treatment options for emphysema to help you understand how to deal with it.
Symptoms and dangers of emphysema
1. Shortness of breath: Limitation of lung function
Emphysema causes the destruction of alveolar structures, leading to a decrease in gas exchange, which in turn leads to difficulty breathing. This symptom is especially pronounced during activity, when the patient feels shortness of breath and strained breathing. As the disease progresses, patients may experience shortness of breath even at rest, which greatly affects quality of life.
2. Cough and sputum production: Signs of airway inflammation
Patients with emphysema often have a prolonged cough and sputum production, especially in the morning. This may be due to increased secretions due to inflammation of the airways, or it may be a concomitant symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Long-term cough and sputum production can exacerbate respiratory discomfort and further aggravate emphysema.
3. Restricted activities: Daily life is difficult
People with emphysema have a decrease in physical strength as their condition worsens. Due to the decline in lung function, the body's oxygen supply is insufficient, resulting in patients getting tired easily while performing daily activities, and even simple household chores can be inadequate. This decrease in physical strength can further lead to a decrease in the patient's activity, creating a vicious cycle that accelerates the deterioration of the condition.
4. Risk of complications: Serious threat to health
Emphysema can lead to a range of serious complications, including cor pulmonale, respiratory failure, etc. Cor pulmonale is a condition in which the heart is overburdened by lung disease, resulting in impaired heart function. Respiratory failure is caused by insufficient lung function, resulting in a lack of oxygen supply, and in severe cases, it can be life-threatening. These complications further increase the health burden on patients.
5. Decreased quality of life: Psychological stress is enormous
Emphysema not only affects physical health, but also brings psychological stress. Problems such as difficulty breathing, decreased physical strength, and limited activity can cause people to feel depressed, anxious, and even trigger depression. Long-term psychological stress can further affect the physical and mental health of patients, forming a vicious circle.
Medical treatment options for emphysema
Bronchodilators: Makes breathing easier
Bronchodilators are one of the important drugs to relieve the symptoms of emphysema. Common drugs include beta-2 agonists, such as albuterol, terbutaline, etc. These drugs work by relaxing the smooth muscles of the bronchial tubes, widening the diameter of the airways, which increases the airflow channels and makes breathing easier.
Anticholinergics: relieves bronchospasm
Anticholinergics such as ipratropium and tiotropium relieve bronchospasm by inhibiting the vagus nerve. These drugs are effective in reducing airway resistance, improving ventilation, and improving symptoms in patients with emphysema.
Glucocorticoids: reduce inflammation and stabilize the condition
Patients with emphysema tend to have a significant inflammatory response in the airways during an acute exacerbation. Glucocorticoids such as budesonide and fluticasone propionate reduce inflammation by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators, help stabilize the disease, and reduce the frequency of acute exacerbations.
Oxygen therapy: Lasts to improve blood oxygen levels
Long-term hypoxic therapy has a significant therapeutic effect in patients with moderate to severe emphysema. Continuous inhalation of oxygen can increase oxygen saturation, relieve symptoms of hypoxia, and reduce dyspnea. In addition, oxygen therapy can delay the progression of emphysema and reduce the risk of complications.
Rehabilitation: Improves lung capacity and regains vitality
Respiratory rehabilitation training, including respiratory muscle training and endurance training, is an important treatment method for patients with emphysema. These exercises can improve lung capacity, increase physical strength, and enable patients to better cope with activities of daily living. In addition, moderate physical activity can help maintain overall health and prevent further deterioration of the condition.
How to prevent your condition from getting worse
Quit smoking: Protect your lungs and reduce damage
Smoking cessation is one of the most effective means of prevention for people with emphysema caused by smoking. Smoking is one of the important factors contributing to the progression of emphysema, and quitting smoking can significantly reduce damage to the lungs and slow down the rate of progression.
Regular check-ups: Monitor your condition closely
Patients with emphysema should maintain regular contact with their doctor to have pulmonary function tests to understand the changes in their condition so that they can adjust their treatment plan in time. Regular follow-up examinations can help patients detect changes in their condition at an early stage and take effective measures.
Lifestyle adjustment: eat a healthy diet and have a regular schedule
A healthy diet and regular routine are important tools for maintaining overall health. People with emphysema should avoid high-fat, high-salt diets and maintain a balanced diet. Moderate exercise can help build strength, but avoid overexertion.
Avoid triggers: Stay away from irritants
People with emphysema should try to avoid exposure to smoke, dust, chemical irritants, and other factors that can worsen respiratory symptoms and cause exacerbations. Therefore, maintaining a clean living environment and staying away from triggers is an important measure to prevent the condition from worsening.