Pulmonary emphysema is a chronic disease that is accompanied by a change in the properties and structure of the alveoli. Such a disease is extremely dangerous. Why does pulmonary emphysema occur , what is it and what are its main symptoms? What treatment methods are used by modern medicine? Can complications be avoided? These questions are very relevant.
Pulmonary emphysema: what is it and what are its causes?
As already mentioned, this disease is associated with a change in the structure of the alveoli, as a result of which they overstretch and lose their ability to contract. Indeed, this is a very dangerous lung disease. Emphysema develops slowly and imperceptibly, but leads to the same thing - the development of respiratory failure.
As for the causes of such pathological changes, they can be completely different. First of all, it is worth noting that emphysema is often the result of other diseases, in particular tuberculosis, asthma and chronic bronchitis. On the other hand, smokers suffer from the disease, since cigarette smoke gradually destroys the structure of the alveoli.
The risk factors include features of some professions. In particular, emphysema is often found in production workers, builders, repairmen, etc. Constant inhalation of smoke, building dust and cement, chemically aggressive substances - all this eventually leads to the destruction of lung tissue. Currently, the list of causes of the disease in question includes an unfavorable environment.
Pulmonary emphysema: what is it and what are its symptoms?
Stretching of the alveoli, loss of elasticity and contractile abilities lead to disruption of the normal functioning of the respiratory system. Therefore, the very first symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath. Patients complain of a lack of air and a feeling of suffocation. And if at first shortness of breath appears only during physical exertion, then over time breathing problems become the usual companion of a sick person. Often deep breaths or exhalations are accompanied by wheezing.
As the disease develops, even changes in the human body are observed, in particular, the rib cage acquires a barrel-shaped shape, and the fingers are thickened like drumsticks.
Due to a lack of oxygen, chronic fatigue develops - patients complain of drowsiness, fatigue, decreased performance. One of the symptoms of the disease is considered to be sudden weight loss.
Pulmonary emphysema: what is it and how to treat it?
As already mentioned, the disease is fraught with serious complications. That is why treatment in this case is simply necessary. Of course, it is first of all necessary to determine what caused the changes in the lung tissue and eliminate the root cause. For example, smokers need to abandon the harmful habit as soon as possible, and workers exposed to hazardous substances should carefully monitor their protection using respiratory masks and other devices.
Drug treatment is reduced to taking drugs that eliminates bronchospasm. A good therapeutic effect is acupressure. Respiratory gymnastics with emphysema helps to eliminate the main symptoms and prevent further changes in the alveoli. Oxygen therapy is also considered effective, in which the patient alternately inhales normal air, and then breathes air with a reduced amount of this gas.
It is worth noting that with the right therapy, many people lead a completely normal lifestyle.