Emphysema is a chronic lung condition in which the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs become over stretched, destroying the elasticity of fibers that open and close the air sacs during breathing (8). The surface area of air sacs is for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide becomes smaller from the sacs being less elastic and this is what affects the ability to breathe out carbon dioxide after breathing it in (3). This is where oxygen (air) is exchanged for carbon dioxide (in the blood).

Doctors can help people with Emphysema live more comfortably with their disease (15). The single most important factor for maintaining healthy lungs is quitting smoking (15). That is the first step in treatment for Emphysema (2). Researchers know that quitting smoking can prevent the occurrence and decrease progression of Emphysema. Other environmental controls can also help prevent the disease (15). Reducing exposure to air pollution is important so you do not aggravate symptoms of emphysema (15). There are several ways to help prevent the disease, Emphysema, like not smoking, avoiding places with polluted air, exercising moderately in fresh clean air, and preventing the flu and pneumonia with immunizations (8). Vaccines are needed especially, the flu shot and pnemovax. Also, avoid people with respiratory infections or obtain antibiotic treatment immediately for lung infections (8).

Another simple breathing test that may be used in helping to diagnose Emphysema is the Peak Flow, which is a hand held device in which the patient takes a deep breath, blowing in as quickly and forcefully as possible, while the results are shown on the hand held device (14). Peak Flow measures how fast the patient can push air out of the lungs (22). Aertial Blood Gas (ABG’s) is done by having a sample of blood drawn from the arteries. The blood is then analyzed in special a special machine that records the amount of carbon dioxide (waste gas) and oxygen in blood (14). Another method of testing is called Pulse Oximetry. For this a special clip is placed on the patient’s finger, earlobe, or forehead. Pulse Oximetry uses light waves to indirectly measure the amount of oxygen in the blood (14).

Emphysema is a slow agonizing way to die. Patients have to fight for every breath. Eating and talking take a toll on breathing. People need to rest frequently while eating and talking. Inhalers need to be within immediate reach at all times. Second-hand smoke is dangerous for people with Emphysema also. Realizing that emphysema is a torturing death is one thing the public needs to become more aware of. Unless, you have known or been around someone with this horrible disease, it is hard to understand how serious of a disease it really is. The main way to help prevent one from getting emphysema is not to smoke and stay away from second hand smoke.

Emphysema’s vast majority of cases are brought on by smoking (6). It is estimated that cigarette smoking causes 82% of all COPD (2). It does not develop suddenly, but comes on gradually (15), usually requiring 20-30 years of smoking (1). Cigarette smoking damages the cells in the lungs (3). Smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema, and contains carbon monoxide according to the surgeon generals warning on each pack of cigarettes (12). The other 18% are caused by air pollution, occupational exposure to irritants (such as firemen, possibly a viral infection (9) and there is a rare heredity form of Emphysema caused by a protein deficiency (14) called alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency (AAT) (8). Most always cigarette smoking is combined in these cases. Between 80 & 90% of all people who have emphysema are heavy smokers (17). It is estimated 50,000 to 100,000 Americans today live with this deficiency (15). AAT is referred to sometimes as early-onset Emphysema because it may begin as early of the ages of late 20’s early 30’s (15).

Some topics in this essay:
Oxygen Depending, Pulmonary Embolism, Tests PFT’s, Ipratropium Albuterol, Eventually Emphysema, Pulse Oximetry, Chest X-rays, Emphysema Realizing, Chronic Bronchitis, Axial Tomography, shortness breath, carbon dioxide, air sacs, help prevent, cigarette smoking, oxygen blood, chronic bronchitis, emphysema patients, emphysema 2, people emphysema, aertial blood gas, medical intervention education, proper medical intervention, chronic bronchitis emphysema, carbon dioxide blood,