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Emphysema
Emphysema is a condition in which there
is over-inflation of structures in the lungs known as alveoli or air
sacs. This over-inflation results from a breakdown of the walls of the
alveoli, which causes a decrease in respiratory function (the way the
lungs work) and often, breathlessness. Early symptoms of emphysema
include shortness of breath and cough.
Emphysema is a widespread disease of the
lungs. In 1987, 2.0 million people in the U.S. had emphysema. It is
estimated that 70,000 to 100,000 Americans living today were born with a
deficiency of a protein known as alpha I-antitrypsin (AAT) which can
lead to an inherited form of emphysema. Emphysema ranks ninth among
chronic conditions that contribute to lack of activity: Over 42% of
individuals with emphysema report that their daily activities have been
limited by the disease. Many of the people with emphysema are older men,
but the condition is increasing among women. Males with emphysema
outnumber females by 64%.
It is known from scientific research that
the normal lung has a remarkable balance between two classes of
chemicals with opposing action. The lung also has a system of elastic
fibers. The fibers allow the lungs to expand and contract. When the
chemical balance is altered, the lungs lose the ability to protect
themselves against the destruction of these elastic fibers. This is what
happens in emphysema.
There are a number of reasons this
chemical imbalance occurs. Smoking is responsible for 82% of chronic
lung disease, including emphysema. Exposure to air pollution is one
suspected cause. Irritating fumes and dusts on the job also are thought
to be a factor.
A small number of people with emphysema
have a rare inherited form of the disease called alpha I-antitrypsin (AAT)
deficiency-related emphysema, or early onset emphysema. This form of
disease is caused by an inherited lack of a protective protein called
alpha I-antitrypsin (AAT).
Emphysema begins with the destruction of
air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs where oxygen from the air is exchanged
for carbon dioxide in the blood. The walls of the air sacs are thin and
fragile. Damage to the air sacs is irreversible and results in permanent
"holes" in the tissues of the lower lungs. As air sacs are
destroyed, the lungs are able to transfer less and less oxygen to the
bloodstream, causing shortness of breath. The lungs also lose their
elasticity. The patient experiences great difficulty exhaling.
Emphysema doesn't develop suddenly- it
comes on very gradually. Years of exposure to the irritation of
cigarette smoke usually precede the development of emphysema. A person
may initially visit the doctor because he or she has begun to feel short
of breath during activity or exercise. As the disease progresses, a
brief walk can be enough to bring on difficulty in breathing. Some
people may have had chronic bronchitis before developing emphysema.
Continuing research is being done to find
answers to many questions about emphysema, especially about the best
ways to prevent the disease. Researchers know that quitting smoking can
prevent the occurrence and decrease the progression of emphysema. Other
environmental controls can also help prevent the disease. if an
individual has emphysema, the doctor will work hard to prevent the
disease from getting worse by keeping the patient healthy and clear of
any infection. The patient can participate in this prevention effort by
following these general health guidelines.
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Emphysema is a serious disease. It
damages your lungs, and it can damage your heart. See your doctor at
the first sign of symptoms.
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DON'T SMOKE. A majority of those who
get emphysema are smokers. Continued smoking makes emphysema worse,
especially for those who have AAT deficiency, the inherited form of
emphysema.
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Maintain overall good health habits,
which include proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and regular exercise
to build up your stamina and resistance to infections.
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Reduce your exposure to air pollution,
which may aggravate symptoms of emphysema. Refer to radio or
television weather reports or your local newspaper for information
about air quality. On days when the ozone (smog) level is unhealthy,
restrict your activity to early morning or evening.
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When pollution levels are dangerous,
remain indoors and stay as comfortable as possible.
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Consult your doctor at the start of
any cold or respiratory injection because infection can make your
emphysema symptoms worse.
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Ask about getting vaccinated against
influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia.
**References
American Lung Association of Georgia
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