Emphysema is a chronic disease affecting the lungs, the essence of which is the abnormal enlargement of the alveoli and the reduction of their number. In emphysema, they fill up excessively with air, which causes resistance in the pulmonary circulation and puts a strain on the heart. Read about the causes and symptoms of emphysema, and find out how it is treated.
Emphysemais a disease whose essence is the abnormal enlargement (distention) of the alveoli, which results in the loss of elasticity and cracking of their walls. At the same time, their number is reduced. They fill up excessively with air, and this causes increased resistance in the pulmonary circulation, which puts a significant strain on the heart and may lead to its failure.
The process covers the entirelungs , which gradually lose their elasticity. Large air spaces form in the pulmonary lobules, and lobules are often completely destroyed. Emphysema blisters form, which can lead to a pneumothorax.
Emphysemacauses irreversible damage to the structure of the lungs - the diameter of the air spaces, which is usually 0.25 mm, is about 1 mm with extensive emphysema. And this means a loss of as much as 75 percent. the area needed to oxygenate the blood! The lungs with emphysema are said to have become over-aerated.
Emphysema: causes
The most common causes of emphysema are environmental factors: smoking and being in a polluted environment. Pulmonary emphysema may be a consequence of chronic bronchitis, less often of bronchial asthma. Emphysema of the lungs also develops in people exposed to excessive respiratory effort, such as those who play wind instruments, blowouts in a glass factory.
The genetic factor is also important. In this case, the immediate cause of the disease is the deficiency (or the body's inability to produce it) of the alpha 1 protein - antitrypsin. This protein is responsible for inhibiting the action of some enzymes, those that can destroy connective tissue, thus breaking down the alveoli in the lungs.
The relationship of this substance with emphysema was discovered and first described in 1963 by two scientists, Laurell and Eriksson. Deficiency of the alpha 1 protein - antitrypsin is the causeEmphysema of the central part of the lobe of the lung - this is one of the forms of this disease, characterized by an enlargement of air spaces at the level of the respiratory bronchioles. In this type of emphysema, clusters located in the upper reaches are more likely to be attacked. In another form of the disease, emphysema with destruction of the alveolar walls, the entire cluster is affected.
However, the main cause of emphysema is cigarette smoke, which adversely affects the movement of the microscopic cilia that line the airways. And if the cilia do not work properly, the lungs are not cleaned of toxic substances well. In addition, smoke changes the structure and functioning of the alveolar walls so that they are quickly degraded.
Worth knowingEmphysema: prevention
The prevention of this disease consists in eliminating the factors that may cause the disease as early as possible. Quitting smoking (for smokers) should be your first priority.
Emphysema: symptoms
The first symptom of emphysema may be gradually increasing breathlessness, especially during exercise. However, emphysema develops slowly, so that the first symptoms, such as a slight breathlessness or shortness of breath when walking briskly, may not be noticed.
Over time, pulmonary emphysema-related breathing difficulties also develop at rest, followed by a cough, not very violent, but may be accompanied by a slight discharge. Weight decreases, quite considerable, muscles weaken (asthenia). The hallmark of people with emphysema is that they try to get the excess air out of their lungs by blowing it out of their mouth, arranged as if they were to whistle. This is probably why these patients are referred to as "pink blowers" (blowing the air takes a lot of effort, the faces of such people become pink or even red).
Another common symptom, but a little later, is trying to lean forward and lean on your elbows. The jugular veins may then relax, but they quickly collapse back into each other during the subsequent inhalation.
Emphysema: treatment
Treatment of emphysema is mainly based on distancing, or even better - eliminating the causative agents of the disease. Of course, if it is possible. It is important that people suffering from emphysema have the flu vaccine every year to help them avoid serious complications if they become ill. In addition, they should remember to treat any respiratory infections immediately.
Rehabilitation is also important - an appropriate set of exercises to improve the respiratory system will certainly be recommendedmain doctor. In the case of more abundant secretions, exercises to promote drainage are recommended.
Bronchodilators and cortisol-based preparations are also used. In more serious cases, it may be necessary to administer oxygen. In the treatment of complications (e.g. pneumonia), sulfonamides, antibiotics, and cardiac drugs are used.
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