Signs of Emphysema

Description

A type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involving damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. The most common cause of the disorder is smoking. The walls of the alveoli become destroyed decreasing a patient's ability to oxygenate the blood. If patients continue to smoke the destruction becomes worse resulting in the need for chronic oxygen use, eventual damage to the heart, and lung failure.

Symptoms

Symptoms at first are mild then become rapidly progressively worse. Symptoms include: shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, reduced capacity for physical activity, chronic coughing, loss of appetite and weight, and fatigue.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be done. Other tests to confirm the diagnosis may include: pulmonary function tests, chest x-ray, chest CT scan, arterial blood gas, and sputum examination.

Standard Workup

CT Scan
X-Ray
Pulmonary function Test

Treatment

Therapy depends on the severity of the symptoms. Treatment includes bronchodilators (albuterol/Proventil, Combivent, Duoneb, Xopenex), inhaled steroids (Advair, Symbicort, Pulmicort), supplemental oxygen, pulmonary rehabilitation, and antibiotics for associated infections. Severe cases may require surgery to remove damaged lung, and/or a lung transplant. The most important aspect of treatment is to stop smoking.