What is emphysema? Emphysema, which falls under the expertise of lung surgery, is a disease in which the air sacs in the lungs become damaged and expand. As a result, individuals may experience difficulty breathing and encounter shortness of breath. When emphysema causes respiratory issues, it can also lead to a decrease in blood oxygen levels. While there are various treatment options available today, emphysema is not a self-healing condition. Additionally, it can emerge in connection with other lung issues.
In the rest of this article, you can find detailed information about what emphysema is, its causes, and its treatment.
What is Emphysema? What Does Emphysema Mean?
When asked, “What is emphysema?” it is often answered as a type of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It is a fact that smoking is the most significant trigger for both conditions. Emphysema, a type of COPD, is a problem where the air sacs in the lungs, known as alveoli, are progressively damaged and destroyed. As a result, the patient experiences shortness of breath. Since this disease causes respiratory issues, it is also categorized as a lung disease.
Lung tissue is composed of two crucial components:
- Airways: These transport the air inhaled through breathing to the section of the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange occurs.
- Parenchyma: This part enables the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
The damage to these tissues answers the question, “What is emphysema?”
Types of Emphysema
The question “What is emphysema?” often leads to curiosity about its types. These can be summarized in the following table:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Centriacinar Emphysema | The most common type. Initially, it affects the fine branches of the bronchi that lead directly to the alveoli. This damage spreads over time. |
| Panacinar Emphysema | It affects all alveoli. It is an advanced stage. It starts with the alveoli and then impacts small airways. |
| Paraseptal Emphysema | It occurs in the periphery and terminal regions of the lungs. |
Causes of Emphysema
What is emphysema? What causes it? Smoking is the most critical trigger for this disease. Smoking causes inflammation in the air sacs, leading to emphysema. However, other causes exist as well:
- Being exposed to secondhand smoke
- Inhaling air containing chemicals
- Exposure to various dust particles
- Being over the age of 55
- A hereditary deficiency of a protein called alpha-1-antitrypsin, which protects the elastic structure of the lungs
Relationship Between Smoking and Emphysema
Smoking significantly damages lung tissue. The substances in cigarettes cause inflammation in the air sacs, making it the most important trigger for this disease. Furthermore, passive smoking poses the same risks.
Age and Emphysema
Does emphysema occur in older individuals? As people age, the performance and functionality of certain organs decrease, including the lungs. Older individuals who smoke are particularly at risk.
Symptoms of Emphysema
The primary and most recognized symptom of emphysema, which is the damage to the air sacs in the lungs, is shortness of breath. While chronic bronchitis is characterized by cough and mucus, shortness of breath is the dominant symptom of emphysema. Other symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
- Cough with mucus
- Wheezing
- Rapid breathing
- Cyanosis – discoloration in fingers
- Feeling fatigued and exhausted
- Weight loss
- Mental confusion
- Sleep disturbances
- Depression or anxiety
However, not every individual with respiratory distress may be diagnosed with emphysema. At this point, choosing a doctor is of great importance. The prominent name in the field of lung surgery in our country is Professor Doctor Semih Halezeroğlu. It is important to convey your complaints to him correctly during the examination. In addition, you can also ask questions that concern your mind, such as what emphysema means. People diagnosed with emphysema also have a high risk of contracting different lung infections. For this reason, you should carefully follow the necessary steps for the treatment of the disease.
Diagnosis of Emphysema
Various tests may be required to diagnose emphysema, including physical examination, lung function tests, chest X-rays, and CT scans. Chest X-rays can reveal reduced tissue in the upper parts of the lungs and increased aeration. CT scans offer a clearer view of lung damage.
Treatment of Emphysema
The key to treatment lies in encouraging patients to quit smoking before emphysema develops. Treatment options include bronchodilators, medications for lung infections, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Advanced treatment methods, such as surgical removal of damaged regions, may be considered for some patients.
Prevention of Emphysema
- Avoiding smoking and tobacco products
- Steering clear of secondhand smoke
- Protecting against air pollution
- Reducing exposure to chemicals
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise
- Strengthening the immune system
- Managing stress effectively
- Ensuring adequate sleep
Frequently Asked Questions
What does emphysema mean? You can find answers to your questions about the subject below.
What is Emphysema?
It is a condition where the alveoli in the lungs are progressively damaged and destroyed.
What Should Emphysema Patients Pay Attention To?
Patients should quit smoking if they haven’t already and follow their doctor’s advice carefully.
Is Emphysema the Same as COPD?
Emphysema is a common type of COPD, characterized by damage to the alveoli.
Is Emphysema Dangerous?
Emphysema does not heal on its own and requires medical treatment. Without proper treatment, it can lead to serious consequences.
How Long Do Emphysema Patients Live?
Prognosis varies depending on factors such as age and smoking habits. Treatment is tailored to the individual, and it is not possible to provide a precise estimate.
