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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.
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