Emphysema of the lungs - what is it? Causes, Symptoms and Methods of Treatment

Emphysema of the lungs is called a chronic disease, which is accompanied by a change in the properties and structure of the alveoli. Such a disease is extremely dangerous. Why does emphysema arise , what is it and what are its main symptoms? What methods of treatment are used by modern medicine? Can complications be avoided? These issues are very relevant.

Emphysema of the lungs: 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 the ability to contract. Indeed, this is a very dangerous disease of the lungs. Emphysema develops slowly and unnoticed, but leads to the same - the development of respiratory failure.

As for the causes of such pathological changes, they can be completely different. First of all, it should be noted 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, as cigarette smoke gradually destroys the structure of the alveoli.

The risk factors include the characteristics of some professions. In particular, emphysema is often found in production workers, builders, repairmen, etc. Constant inhalation of smoke, construction dust and cement, chemically aggressive substances - all this eventually leads to the destruction of lung tissue. Currently, the list of causes of the disease considered include an unfavorable habitat.

Emphysema of the lungs: 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 first symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath. Patients complain of lack of air and a feeling of suffocation. And if at first dyspnoea appears only with physical exertion, then with time, problems with breathing become a habitual companion of the 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 chest becomes barrel-shaped, and the fingers of the fingers become thicker like a drumstick.

Due to a lack of oxygen, chronic fatigue develops - patients complain of drowsiness, fatigue, reduced efficiency. One of the symptoms of the disease is considered to be a sharp weight loss.

Emphysema of the lungs: 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, first of all it is necessary to determine what caused changes in lung tissue and eliminate the underlying cause. For example, smokers need to abandon a disastrous habit as soon as possible, and workers exposed to hazardous substances should be carefully monitored using respiratory masks and other devices.

Drug treatment is reduced to taking medications, eliminating spasm of the bronchi. A good therapeutic effect is acupressure. Respiratory gymnastics with pulmonary emphysema helps to eliminate the main symptoms and prevent further changes in the alveoli. An 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 properly selected therapy, many people lead a completely normal lifestyle.