Emphysema of the lungs

Emphysema of the lungs is a pathological change in the lung tissue associated with overgrowth of the alveoli and bronchi. As a result, in the lungs, there is an increased air content, since the weakened alveoli lose the ability to normal contraction.

If the lung tissue is completely affected, then it is a question of diffuse emphysema. In the presence of single lesions, the diagnosis is bullous emphysema of the lungs.

In addition, emphysema may be secondary, that is, develop as a result of some disease, for example, bronchitis, and primary. It must be said that the first variant is more widely spread, and cases of illness related to professional activity are included in it. For example, the group of risk includes glass blowers, singers and musicians working in brass bands. The cause of development of senile emphysema is the age-related loss of elasticity of tissues, including pulmonary tissue.

In the case of primary disease, the causes of emphysema, most often hereditary, associated with a congenital deficiency of the a1-antitrypsin protein.

It should be said that emphysema of the lungs does not have characteristic symptoms, this disease manifests itself in the same way as the rest of the obstructive pulmonary lesions. Patients are concerned about coughing, which can be both dry and with the separation of sputum. Also a sign of the disease is shortness of breath, which appears at the slightest physical exertion, and sometimes without them.

In the event that emphysema is started, the patients acquire a characteristic appearance, they have cyanotic lips and mucous membranes, the chest is swollen, and the stomach is saggy.

To make the correct diagnosis, the patient must make an X-ray. By studying the images, it is possible to reveal the transparency of tissues, the absence of dark areas, as well as the decrease in the diaphragm mobility during respiration. The function of external respiration, in which the volume of inhaled and exhaled air is estimated, is also examined. With emphysema, the vital capacity of the lungs is reduced, there is a decrease in the elasticity of the lung tissue.

Treatment of such a disease as emphysema is primarily aimed at reducing the negative effect of respiratory failure, as well as on getting rid of the underlying disease that promotes the development of emphysema. To achieve good results, it is necessary to eliminate such harmful factors as smoking (including passive). Physical activity of the patient should be limited, the degree of restrictions depends on the stage of the disease.

In the case of primary emphysema, drugs with an A1-atripsin content are prescribed, which improve the elasticity of tissues in the lung. With secondary emphysema, it is necessary to persistently and patiently treat the underlying disease.

To eliminate symptoms, patients can be prescribed drugs that are aimed at eliminating cough - bronchodilators and mucolytics. The reception of fortifying agents and antioxidants, in particular vitamins E and C, is shown. Patients are trained in a special complex of respiratory gymnastics that facilitates the condition. With bullous emphysema, sometimes it is necessary to resort to surgery to remove the affected areas, which, increasing in size, squeeze a healthy tissue. After performing such an operation, ventilation of the unaffected part of the lungs significantly improves.

The use of folk remedies for emphysema is also used. This is, first of all, medical inhalations over potato broth and broths of medicinal herbs. For example, eucalyptus, sage, mint, thyme works well. Decoction of a mixture of these herbs is also recommended for oral administration.

As a disease prevention it is important to treat such diseases as pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, and also to fight with any inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx in time. A good preventive measure is the timely detection of emphysema in the early stages, which can be achieved with regular medical examination of the population.