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Pulmonary emphysema can be identified by observing the appearance of symptoms related to lung involvement, such as rapid breathing, coughing or difficulty breathing, for example. Thus, to confirm emphysema, the doctor recommends carrying out some tests to assess the functioning of the lungs and, thus, it is possible to start the most appropriate treatment.
Emphysema is more common in people who have smoked for several years, since smoking promotes the destruction of pulmonary alveoli, interfering with gas exchange. Thus, to avoid the disease it is important to avoid smoking or staying in environments where there is a lot of cigarette smoke.
How to identify pulmonary emphysema
The diagnosis of pulmonary emphysema is made by the general practitioner or pulmonologist according to the signs and symptoms presented by the person, health history, lifestyle and evaluation of the results of the tests requested. Thus, it is important that the person is attentive and consult the doctor as soon as he / she notices the appearance of some signs and symptoms, such as:
- Difficulty breathing;
- Panting;
- Cough;
- Feeling of breathlessness, with the disease getting worse.
Thus, after assessment of symptoms by the doctor, tests should be requested to assess lung function and pulmonary auscultation to check the sounds produced by the lung at the time of breathing. In addition, a test should be carried out to assess lung capacities, called spirometry, which measures the volume of inspired air to check whether they are satisfactory or not, in addition to x-rays or tomography and blood gas analysis.
Thus, from the results obtained in the exams and correlation with the person's symptoms and life habits, such as smoking, for example, it is possible that the diagnosis of pulmonary emphysema is made.
See what other symptoms may indicate pulmonary emphysema.
How pulmonary emphysema arises
Emphysema is characterized by the destruction of a large number of alveoli, which are small structures within the lung responsible for gas exchange and the entry of oxygen into the bloodstream, in addition to impairing the lung's ability to expand.
Thus, oxygen is unable to properly enter the body, leading to the appearance of the characteristic symptoms of emphysema, as the lungs fill with air, but are not completely emptied to allow new air to enter.
Most cases of emphysema are in smokers, since cigarette smoke affects the alveoli, reducing air intake. In addition to smoking, pulmonary emphysema can happen as a result of respiratory diseases, such as chronic bronchitis, asthma or cystic fibrosis, prolonged exposure to pollution or smoke, for example.
How to prevent pulmonary emphysema
The best way to prevent emphysema is not to smoke, but not staying in places where there is cigarette smoke is also important. Other ways include treating any respiratory infection, such as the flu, cold, bronchitis and pneumonia as soon as possible. Other tips are:
- Avoid air pollutants, air fresheners at home, chlorine and other products with a strong smell;
- Avoid strong emotions such as anger, aggression, anxiety and stress;
- Avoid staying at extremes of temperature, either in a very hot or in a very cold place;
- Avoid staying near fires or barbecues because of smoke;
- Avoid staying in places with fog, because the air quality is inferior;
- Get the flu vaccine every year.
In addition, you must have a healthy and balanced diet, preferring vegetables, fruits, whole grains and vegetables, decreasing more and more the consumption of processed, processed and salt-rich foods. Taking ginger tea regularly is a good prevention strategy because it is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and is useful for keeping cells healthy.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of pulmonary emphysema must always be guided by a pulmonologist, since it is necessary to adapt it to the symptoms presented and the degree of development of the disease. However, in all cases it is important to avoid using cigarettes and not to stay in places with a lot of pollution or smoke.
In addition, drugs can also be prescribed to dilate the structures of the lung and help the entry of air, such as Salbutamol or Salmeterol. But, in the case of more intense symptoms, it may also be necessary to use corticosteroids, such as Beclomethasone or Budesonide, to relieve inflammation of the airways and reduce the difficulty in breathing.
The doctor may also recommend respiratory physiotherapy sessions, which use exercises that help expand the lung and increase oxygen levels in the body. See how treatment for pulmonary emphysema is done.
Home treatment
A great home treatment to control emphysema is to breathe properly. To do this, you should sit on the bed or sofa with your legs stretched out and reclined, place your hands on your belly and, while inhaling, observe the movements in your abdomen and chest. When inhaling, count up to 2 seconds, while the air enters the lungs and to exhale, press the lips slightly, prolonging the exhalation.
Does pulmonary emphysema turn into cancer?
Emphysema is not cancer, but it increases a person's chances of developing lung cancer, especially if they continue to smoke after diagnosis.