Proper Management of Emphysema

Emphysema is a disease that progressively damages the alveoli in the lungs. Signs and symptoms of this disease are shortening of breath, wheezing and coughing. But once the disease is diagnosed, it is possible for one to live a relatively natural life with proper care and management. These are some of the health management methods for emphysema.

Quit Smoking

This is one of the leading causes of emphysema. Quitting smoking with immediate effect should halt the damage that the disease is causing. Research has shown that in some cases, lung functions even improve slightly once the patient stops smoking.

Medication

There are medications that open the airways so that the patient can breathe properly. They are commonly known as bronchodilators. Depending on the severity of the disease, medication can be taken regularly or only when it’s needed (episodes where the afflicted suffers shortness of breath). Some common bronchodilators that one can take are:

• This bronchodilator provides relief for a period of four to six hours after medication is taken. It comes in the form of a metered inhaler.
• Prescribed for patients with mild emphysema, it can be in inhaler form or a liquid form. This drug must be given on a schedule, compared to albuterol, which is used as a “rescue” drug.
• This form of medication is primarily given orally, the doses have to be carefully measured because too little of it has virtually no effect but too much of it can cause an overdose.
• Steroid medications. Although they don’t have the same effect on all patients, it’s usually given because of its anti-inflammatory properties
• This is a necessary step for severe cases. Some patients have to constantly carry their oxygen tanks to help them breathe.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation. This is a therapeutic process for people suffering from emphysema. The patient learns breathing techniques, physical exercises and is educated about their disease. Once they have learned these techniques, they can apply them on their own when an attack occurs.

Constant Follow Ups

The patient will have to maintain scheduled visits to the doctor. The doctor will help in the management of the disease through regular checkups and prescription drugs.

In order to prevent medical emergencies that involve hospitalization or even death, it is necessary that each of these emphysema management methods be strictly followed. The degree of the emphysema disease will generally dictate which combination of the above methods will be right for the patient.