| Some Stuff |
|
| Some MORE Stuff |
|
|
| Emphysema |
Emphysema is part of a group of diseases called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that is very common in chronic smokers thus causing progressive damage to the lungs. Other diseases included in COPD are asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Normally when we inhale, the air we breathe in passes to the trachea then to the bronchi. The bronchi subdivides into smaller airways called bronchioles and the airway finally ends in millions of small air sacs called alveoli. It is in the alveoli where exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide take place because of the presence of capillaries in its walls. It is also due to the presence of elastic fibers in the alveoli that help them expand when one inhales and contract during exhalation.
In a person with emphysema, the wall of the alveoli has already lost its elasticity because of inflammation. The walls expand when air enters but it breaks upon expansion creating larger spaces which are not efficient for the exchange of gases to take place. He then has to breath harder in order to take in oxygen and to forcefully exhale to expel air out of the lungs. The forceful exhalation causes compression of the many small airways making it more difficult for air to move out.
Shortness of breath and fatigue are the common symptoms noted. Since this is a chronic condition, the symptoms are not usually noted until permanent damage has taken place. The symptoms worsen as the condition progresses. It is accompanied by productive or non-productive cough and loss of appetite.
Smoke coming from tobacco or cigarette or even secondhand smoke cause paralysis of the small hairs in the airway called cilia. The cilia normally function to propel out irritants and foreign bodies present in the airway. When paralyzed they are then able to invade the alveoli and cause inflammation.
The number one prevention and treatment is to stop smoking. This can prevent progression of the damage in the alveoli. Other treatment options that could help relieve symptoms include use of bronchodilators, antibiotics, supplemental oxygen, and inhaled steroids. |
|
|
|
|
|
