Emphysema is a condition characterized by damage to the alveoli, the small air sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. This damage leads to a decrease in the surface area of the alveoli available for gas exchange and results in shortness of breath. Emphysema is most often caused by smoking cigarettes, but can also be caused by exposure to other harmful airborne particles such as dust or fumes. The damage to the alveoli is irreparable, and over time, emphysema will progressively worsen. There is no cure for emphysema, but treatments are available to help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
Smoking is by far the most common cause of emphysema. In fact, approximately 90% of all cases of emphysema are attributed to smoking cigarettes. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals that are harmful to lung tissue, including tar and nicotine. These chemicals damage the cilia, tiny hair-like structures that line the airways and help keep them clear of debris. They also irritate and inflame lung tissue, causing inflammation throughout the respiratory system. Over time, this inflammation damages the alveoli and decreases their ability to function properly. People who smoke heavily or have been smoking for many years are at greatest risk for developing emphysema.
In some cases, emphysema may be caused by exposure to other harmful airborne particles such as dust or fumes. This type of exposure is typically seen in people who work in occupations that involve regular contact with these substances, such as miners or factory workers. Prolonged exposure to these particles can cause similar damage to lung tissue as cigarette smoke does, leading to inflammation and eventual destruction of the alveoli . People with certain genetic conditions that affect lung function may also be more susceptible to developing emphysema from environmental exposures .
The primary symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath . This occurs because damaged alveoli reduce the surface area available for gas exchange , making it more difficult for oxygen to get into circulation . As a result , people with emphysema often feel winded after even mild exertion . Shortness of breath may worsen over time as more alveoli become damaged , eventually leading to difficulty breathing even when resting . Other symptoms associated with emphyseema include fatigue , weight loss , coughing , wheezing ,and chest pain . In advanced cases , clubbing (swelling)of fingers or toes may occur due tooxygen deprivation .
There is no cure for emphysema once it develops , however treatments are availableto help relieve symptomsand slow its progression . One approach involves quitting smoking if you currently smoke cigarettes . This will not reverse any damage already donebut will prevent further deteriorationof your condition . If you’re unableto quit on your own thereare medicationsand therapiesavailablethat can help lessen withdrawal symptomsand increase your chancesfor success . If you’vedamaged your lungs through smokingit’s important tobeseenbya doctoras soon as possible so treatment can beginto minimize long-term effects …