Emphysema is a condition of the lungs caused usually by smoking or other forms of chronic damage, resulting in a potentially serious shortness of breath.
This condition frequently is accompanied by another called chronic bronchitis, which is the long-term (chronic) inflammation of the tissues and airways of the lungs, as whatever damage is caused to the lungs' alveoli tends to produce irritation in the lungs, as well. The most common cause of such long-term damage and irritation is smoking, which is by far the leading cause of these conditions, which are collectively known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Some ten to fifteen percent of cigarette smokers will eventually develop some degree of COPD.
Anyone who seems to experience chronic symptoms of emphysema, most notably shortness of breath, should contact a doctor, especially if they smoke, as that places them in the highest risk category. Those diagnosed with emphysema are given special warning to quit smoking now, before further damage is done; ceasing to smoke, even after one has been diagnosed with emphysema, can significantly increase the life span of a patient.
Treatment is largely limited to symptom control, but avoiding risk factors (such as smoke and air pollution) can be a major benefit to patients with emphysema. Depending upon the severity of the condition, oxygen or other therapies may be of benefit, as may certain anti-inflammatory agents, including those delivered by inhaler. Consult a physician before taking any treatments for suspected or diagnosed emphysema.
Rare emphysema cases may warrant the surgical removal of some part of one or both lungs in a process called lung volume reduction surgery, which aims to improve the efficiency of those parts of the lungs that remain effective for respiration. Lung transplants may also be required in cases of severe emphysema. The potential for complications from surgery frequently outweighs the potential benefits, and surgery should always be weighed carefully and considered as a last resort.
Patients with emphysema and other COPD should be sure to avoid unnecessary illness at all costs, as respiratory disease that may seem minor to a healthy individual has the potential to be life-threatening to one with emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Those with COPD have special priority in receiving the flu vaccine and may benefit from other routine preventative treatments, including natural and artificial supplements, which may be of additional help in warding off respiratory illness such as the common cold and flu.
