How to Minimize Risk Factors for Emphysema
Emphysema is a progressive disease that destroys the small air sacs in the lungs making it difficult to breath. Often significant damage has already occurred by the time the first symptoms begin to appear. Minimizing the risk factors associated with emphysema can greatly reduce your chances of developing this deadly disease.
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Instructions
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Stop smoking; it's the number one cause of emphysema. Any type of tobacco smoking puts you at high risk whether it's cigarettes, pipes or cigars.
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Limit your exposure to second hand smoke, which is the smoke you inhale from someone else's cigarette or cigar. Studies have shown second hand smoke can be as damaging to your pulmonary system as to the smoker's.
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Take precautions for occupational exposure to chemical fumes and airborne contaminants. If you are exposed to breathing chemical fumes or dust from grain, cotton or mining products, you should always wear an appropriate mask to protect your lungs.
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Prevent HIV infection. Studies show smokers with HIV are at greater risk than smokers who aren't infected with HIV.
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Determine if you have a connective tissue disorder. Conditions such as
cutis laxa and Marfan syndrome have been identified as risk factors for developing emphysema. -
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Be aware that age is another risk factor for emphysema. Though you can't change your age, you can be more diligent about monitoring your health between the ages of 50 and 60, which is when most symptoms of emphysema begin to occur.
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Check your family history. A rare inherited deficiency in a protein called alpha-1-antitrypsin can cause emphysema. Since it's genetically driven, symptoms usually occur before the age of 50 and even earlier if you smoke.
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Tips & Warnings
Talk to your doctor if you suspect you may be developing emphysema. Early detection and treatment of the disease can dramatically slow it's progression.
