Emphysema symptoms are evident characteristics of respiratory disorders that may show itself from time to time, or at times, it can be persistent. Emphysema is a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and its warning signs may usually be taken for granted but can actually be severe and fatal.
Overview of Emphysema
As a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema will cause the air sacs of the lungs to weaken, which results in shortness of breath and reduced lung capacity. In the US, 3.7 million people are reported to have emphysema. Emhpysema is common to people at ages 45 and above.
Shortness of breath, one of the major emphysema symptoms, is commonly a result of cigarette smoking. Risks of acquiring this condition is greater for chronic tobacco users. Nonsmokers having emphysema are uncommon cases which originate from a hereditary deficit of alpha-1 antitrypsin, a protein produced by the liver in order to protect lung tissue. Additional factors like exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, dust and chemical fumes may also be contributing factors for nonsmokers who have developed Emphysema.
Emphysema symptoms develop over time and could become severe if not treated. Advised treatment options for emphysema consist of the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, smoking cessation therapy, taking bronchodilators to promote breathing as well as applying pulmonary rehabilitations that include breathing exercises and coughing. With changes in lifestyle including steering clear of cold air and respiratory irritants, staying away from smoking, regular exercise, washing hands and the like, progress of the condition could be stunted. Some other risks and further emphysema symptoms are also lowered with such lifestyle change.
Risk Factors of Emphysema
There are some things that are likely to increase the likelihood of acquiring emphysema. These includes:
. Tobacco use and inhaling secondhand smoke:
. Secondary disease processes;
. Professions related to working with livestock, coal or textiles, ;
. Over exposure to air pollution, dust particle or chemical fumes
Symtpoms of Emhysema
The most typical of emphysema symptoms are difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. The other common symptoms of Emhysema are coughs with yellowish or clear mucus, chest pain, tiredness, tachypnea or rapid and shallow breaths, clubbing of finger and toes as a result of thickening of tissues underneath nail beds, and a whistling sound upon breathing or wheezing. Aside from the typical characteristics, there are also serious emphysema symptoms that are symptoms of more fatal disorders. These fatal symptoms include:
. Rapid heart rate (tachycardia);
. Cyanosis or blue discoloraionof the lips and fingernails;
. Changes in alertness or consciousness level like unresponsiveness or passing out; and
. Breathing or respiratory disorders such as choking, stopping from breathing, etc.
Emphysema Treatment
Emphysema treatment starts with seeking medical advice from your doctor. The ultimate aim of the treatment is to improve breathing by undergoing therapy, etc. However severe cases that don’t respond to the therapies applied is going to take a lung transplant or surgical resection.
“Prevention is better than cure” as we say.”
Risks of acquiring Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and emphysema symptoms may be reduced by keeping away from the contributory factors or by following these suggestions:
. Have a good amount of rest and regular exercise;
. Drink lots of water or fluids;
. Stay away from cold air;
. Remove irritants at your house including fireplace dust, smoke or fumes; and
. Take all prescribed medicines.
Should you be going through any emphysema symptoms talked about in this article, seek the help of your family physician instantly.
