EmphysemaGraham Gamble

What

is it

?

A weakening of the elasticity of the lungs

and general destruction of the lungs.Often accompanied by

chronic bronchitis, which is a long term

cough with mucus. Combination=COPDThis affects the lungs.

Sym

pto

ms

Cough, with or without

mucus Fatigue Many respiratory infections Shortness of breath

(dyspnea) that gets worse with mild activity

Trouble catching one's

breath Wheezing

Cause

Smoking is the #1 cause.

Lack of a protein called

alpha-1 antitrypsin. Other factors include: Exposure to certain gases

or fumes in the workplace

Exposure to heavy amounts of secondhand

smoke and pollution Frequent use of cooking

fire without proper ventilation

Treatm

ent

No cure. Stop Smoking. Inhalers and steroids to

increase airflow and reduce swelling.

Oxygen therapy(during

flare ups or at home) Exercise and breath

work. May need antibiotics to

keep off infection.

Lung V

olu

me

Reduct

ion S

urg

ery

Emphysema cause swelling and has also

been found to affect

portions of the lungs to

greater degrees. 20-35% of the poorer

functioning parts of each

lung are removed in surgery. Allows surrounding

tissues to work more

efficiently leading to a

better quality of life.

Progre

ssio

n

Gets worse over time.

Quit smoking to slow

the process.Not curable; will end in

eventual death.As it gets worse it will

affect every day life more and more, causing more shortness of breath and more hospital visits.

Mora

l of

the

Sto

ryDon’t smoke.