Transplantation of lungs.

What is emphysema? Emphysema is a chronic lung disease in which alveoli, or air sacs, may be:

For inflation air bags are the result of destruction of alveolar walls. This leads to a decrease in respiratory function and dyspnea. Damage to the air sacs is irreversible and leads to permanent "holes" in the tissues of the lower lungs. What are the signs of pulmonary emphysema? Below are the most common symptoms of emphysema. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Signs of emphysema may resemble other conditions or medical problems easy. Consult your doctor for diagnosis. What causes emphysema? Emphysema develops not suddenly, but occurs very gradually. PPulmonary emphysema occurs when airflow obstruction is usually caused by the following:

exposure to air pollution (chemical gases, dust and other substances)

rare, inherited form of the disease called alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency-related emphysema, or early onset emphysema

As emphysema diagnosed? In addition to a complete medical record of the patient and physical examination, your doctor may suggest the following:

research in lung function. PThese tests arePdiagnostic, which help to measure the ability of the lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide respectively. The tests are usually performed with special machines into which a person must breathe, and may include the following:

spirometry. Spirometer is a device used by a doctor to assess lung function. Spirometry, assessment of respiratory function with spirometry, is one of the simplest, most common pulmonary function and may be necessary for any / all of the following reasons:

To determine how well the lungs receive, store and use the air

Queen of monitoring (PFM). The device used to measure the maximum speed at which a person can blow air from the lungs. In asthma or other respiratory flare, large airways in the lungs slowly begin to narrow. This will slow the speed of air leaving the lungs and can be measured by public financial management. This figure is very important in assessing how well or how poorly the disease under control. Blood tests. For the analysis of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood. X-ray of the chest. P

diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to obtain images of internal tissues, bones and organs on film. Sputum. Diagnostic tests performed on material from the lungs by coughing, and in the mouth. Sputum is often performed to determine if infection is present. Electrocardiogram (ECG). PThis is aPtest that lasix prescription records the electrical activity of the heart, shows abnormal rhythm (arrhythmia or fibrillation), and detects heart muscle damage. What is the treatment of emphysema? Your age, overall health and medical history

Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures or treatment

The goal of treatment for people with pulmonary emphysema to live more comfortably with the disease by alleviating symptoms and preventing progression of the disease with minimal side effects. Treatment may include:

Quitting smoking, which thePsingle most important factor for maintaining healthy lungs. Antibiotics for bacterial infections. Bronchodilators - oral or inhaled - which mainstayPof treatment. Other classes of oral and inhaled medications. Vaccinations. Infection can worsen the symptoms of emphysema, as well as pneumococcal vaccination against influenza is recommended to prevent infection. Exercise, including breathing exercises to strengthen muscles used in breathing as part of pulmonary rehabilitation status of the other body parts. Oxygen supplements from portable containers. Nutritional support, as patients may experience nutrition and weight loss. Lung reduction surgery to remove damaged area of ​​lung. Transplantation of lungs. What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? COPD is a term that belongs to a large group of lung diseases that can interfere with normal breathing. Over 12 million Americans suffer from COPD, and another 12 million may have dysfunction of the lung, believing that it may be considerably underestimated. As many as 24 million people may be affected. The two most common diseases of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Causes of COPD is not fully understood. It is recognized that the most important cause of chronic bronchitis and emphysema is cigarette smoking. Causes such as air pollution and occupational exposures may play a role, especially in combination with smoking. Heredity also plays a role in promoting emphysema in some patients, and is especially important in rare formPdue to alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency.

Patients with chronic bronchitis tend to cough and sputum production for many years before they develop shortness of breath. Patients with emphysema usually shortness of breath and develop cough and sputum during a respiratory infection or at later stages of the disease. .