How to Treat Emphysema
Emphysema is one of three diseases referred to as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Emphysema is caused by damage to the airs sacs, usually from smoking. The airways lose their elasticity and become over inflated. This makes it hard to get air in and out. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough with sputum production, wheezing and fatigue. It is a chronic illness, but there are ways to treat emphysema which improve quality of life.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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Have tests done for proper diagnosis. The tests to ask about are a series of breathing tests called a pulmonary function test. Also an arterial blood gas should be drawn to measure carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood. A chest x-ray should be included.
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Get a referral to a pulmonologist. A lung specialist will be better suited to manage your emphysema than a general practitioner. Write down some questions to ask your pulmonologist about medications, lifestyle changes and ways to reduce symptom flare-ups.
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Take breathing treatments. Bronchodilators are medications that help open up the airways making breathing easier. They can be taken through a nebulizer or a metered dose inhaler. Another way to treat emphysema is with inhaled steroids. They help reduce swelling of the airways.
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Enroll in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. Ask you physician or call a local hospital to find one. At rehab you will exercise and have vital signs such as oxygen level and heart rate monitored. They will help you build your exercise tolerance. This will help with daily living activities.
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Do pursed lip breathing. Inhale through your nose slowly for a count of three. Purse your lips as if you were kissing someone. Exhale slowly for a count of six through pursed lips. This type of breathing technique treats emphysema by increasing exhalation time, and getting trapped air out.
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Eliminate lung irritants. Smoking should be stopped. Other lung irritants are perfumes, dust, and molds. Do your best to rid your home of these irritants.
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Learn how to do chest percussion and postural drainage. Lying in certain positions helps drain mucus. Chest percussion is done by cupping your hand and lightly hitting your chest over each part of your lung. Both techniques help you cough up mucus. Ask your doctor prior to trying either technique.
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Tips & Warnings
Wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with people with respiratory illnesses. Getting a cold or sinus infection can cause a flare up of emphysema symptoms.
