Emphysema is a pathological change in the lung tissue associated with overextension of the alveoli and bronchi. As a result of this, an increased air content appears in the lungs, since the alveoli weakened by overvoltage lose the ability to normal contract.
If the lung tissue is completely affected, then we are talking about diffuse emphysema. In the presence of single lesions, the diagnosis is bullous pulmonary emphysema.
In addition, pulmonary emphysema can be secondary, that is, develop as a result of some disease, for example, bronchitis, and primary. I must say that the first option is more widespread, but it also includes cases of the disease associated with professional activities. For example, glass-blowers, singers and musicians working in brass bands are at risk. The cause of the development of senile emphysema is the age-related loss of tissue elasticity, including pulmonary.
In the case of a primary disease, the causes of pulmonary emphysema are most often hereditary, associated with a congenital deficiency of the A1-antitrypsin protein.
I must say that pulmonary emphysema does not have characteristic symptoms, this disease manifests itself in the same way as other obstructive pulmonary lesions. Patients are concerned about a cough, which can be dry, and with the separation of sputum. Also a symptom of the disease is shortness of breath, which appears with the slightest physical exertion, and sometimes without them.
In the event that emphysema is started, patients acquire a characteristic appearance, they have bluish lips and mucous membranes of the mouth, the chest is bloated, and the abdomen is saggy.
To make the correct diagnosis, the patient must be given an x-ray. By studying the images, it is possible to reveal the transparency of tissues, the absence of darkened areas, as well as a decrease in the mobility of the diaphragm during breathing. The function of external respiration is examined, in which the volume of inhaled and exhaled air is estimated. With emphysema, the vital capacity of the lungs is reduced, there is a decrease in the elasticity of lung tissue.
The treatment of a disease such as pulmonary emphysema is primarily aimed at reducing the negative impact of respiratory failure, as well as at getting rid of the underlying disease, which contributes to the development of emphysema. To achieve good results, it is necessary to eliminate such harmful factors as smoking (including second-hand smoke). The physical activity of the patient should be limited, the degree of restriction depends on the stage of the disease.
In the case of primary emphysema, drugs with a1-atripsin content are prescribed that improve tissue elasticity in the lung. With secondary emphysema, the underlying disease should be persistently and patiently treated.
To eliminate the symptoms, the patient may be prescribed drugs that are aimed at eliminating cough - bronchodilators and mucolytics. The method of fortifying agents and antioxidants, in particular vitamins E and C, is shown. I teach patients a special complex of respiratory gymnastics that facilitates the condition. With bullous emphysema, it is sometimes necessary to resort to surgery in order to remove the affected areas, which, increasing in size, compress healthy tissue. After such an operation, the ventilation of the unaffected part of the lungs is significantly improved.
Also used is the treatment of folk remedies for emphysema. These are, first of all, therapeutic inhalations over potato broth and decoctions of medicinal herbs. For example, eucalyptus, sage, mint, thyme helps a lot. A decoction of a mixture of these herbs is recommended for oral administration.
As a prophylaxis of the disease, it is important to treat diseases such as pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma in time, as well as to deal with any inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx. A good preventive measure is the timely detection of emphysema in the early stages, which can be achieved with regular medical examination of the population.