Pulmonary emphysema

by Anna Savchuk

Emphysema is a chronic respiratory disease due to over inflation or abnormal increase in the size of the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs function, breathlessness.

CAUSESSmokingOccupational exposure to chemical fumesHeredity (deficiency of AAT)HIV infectionSevere respiratory effortsUse of intravenous drugs

MECHANISM

SymptomsSuffocationShortness of breathWhooping coughLoss of appetite and weight lossFatigueChest enlargement

DiagnosisChest X-RayArterial blood gases analysis (the blood tests measures how well your lungs transfer oxygen to your bloodstream)Pulmonary function tests (measure how much air you lungs can hold and the flow of)Sputum examination (analysis of cells in sputum can help determine the cause of some lung problems)Spirometry (a procedure that measures the forced expiratory volume in one second)

Treatment are:Non pharmacologicalPharmacological

Non pharmacologicalGeneral Treatment

By Quit smoking (first step for smokers is to quit smoking. If He/She is a smoker)

By Oxygen therapy (home oxygen therapy.)

By Taking Precautions

•Avoid dust.

•Avoid extremes of temperature & humidity.

•Avoid high altitude.

•Improved nutrition, hygiene and exercise.

•Special breathing patterns and positions.

PharmacologicalMedicinal TreatmentBronchodilators :Albuterol (Proventil or Ventoline)

a “rescue" medication.

Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent)

provide greater relief, and long lasts.

'Both available as Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI).

Methylxanthines (Theophylline)

is the bronchodialating medicine available in tablet form.

Corticosteroids

help to decrease the inflammation of the airway walls.

Antibiotics

Surgical treatmentLung volume reduction surgery (most diseases parts of the lung are removed)Lung transplantation (it is a risky and expensive procedure)

Classification

The end…