Emphysema symptoms are markers of respiratory ailments that could arise a couple of times a day or just several times a month. Emphysema is a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and its indicators may easily be taken for granted without knowing that this could actually be critical and deadly.
Brief summary of Emphysema
Emphysema is a respiratory disorder where in the alveoli (air sacs) of the lungs weakens because of over inflation, thus leads to decreased capacity of the lungs and dyspnea (difficulty of breathing). Approximately 3.7 million US residents suffer from Emphysema. It is a widespread respiratory condition for individuals aged 45 years and above.
Cigarette smoking is among the contributing factors to one of the leading emphysema symptoms which is shortness of breath. The probability of acquiring such respiratory disorder is higher for chronic tobacco users. Emphysema cases that involve nonsmokers are uncommon but it could actually happen because of alpha-1 intitrypsin deficiency, a protein that protects the lung tissue that is synthesized by the liver. Still, exposure to air pollution, secondhand smoke, chemical toxins and dust can promote development of emphysema for nonsmokers.
If left untreated, emphysema symptoms will get worse overtime and can get to its critical stage. The treatment solution for Emphysema typically consists of the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, smoking cessation therapy, using bronchodilators to promote breathing and engaging in pulmonary rehabilitations by doing coughing as well as other breathing exercises. With changes in lifestyle like steering clear of cold air and respiratory irritants, refraining from cigarette smoking, exercising regularly, washing hands and the like, progression of the disease can be delayed. Other problems and further emphysema symptoms can likewise be prevented from developing with this lifestyle change.
Contributing Factors for the Development of Emphysema
There are some things that are likely to increase the likelihood of developing emphysema. These includes:
. Smoking and inhaling secondhand smoke:
. Secondary respiratory disease;
. Occupations associated with working with livestock, coal or textiles, ;
. Over exposure to air pollution, dust particle or chemical fumes
Symtpoms of Emhysema
The most common of emphysema symptoms are shortness of breath and difficulty breathing . The other common symptoms of Emhysema are coughing out clear to yellowish discharge, chest pain, tiredness, rapid breathing (tachypnea), clubbing of finger and toes caused by thickening of tissues underneath nail beds, and a whistling sound upon breathing or wheezing. Besides the usual signs of illness, there are also severe emphysema symptoms which are warning signs of more critical disorders. Life threatening symptoms include:
. Tachycardia or increased heart rate
. Cyanosis or blue discoloraionof the lips and fingernails;
. Changes in alertness or consciousness level such as unresponsiveness or passing out; and
. Breathing or respiratory disorders like choking, stopping from breathing, etc.
Treating Emphysema
The treatment course for emphysema will start as soon as you seek medical assistance and the diagnosis has been identified. Improve the individual’s breathing is the ultimate objective of treatment method by starting therapy, etc. But serious stages that don’t respond to therapy will be needing a surgical resection or lung transplant.
As the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.”
Risks of development of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and emphysema symptoms may be lowered by keeping away from the contributory factors or by simply following the following tips:
. Have lots of sleep and physical activity;
. Increase fluid intake;
. Keep away from cold air;
. Get rid of irritants at your house such as smoke, or fumes or fireplace dust; and
. Take all prescribed medications.
If you are experiencing any emphysema symptoms pointed out in this article, immediately get assistance from your medical doctor.