Emphysema

Treatment:

Medications used to improve breathing include bronchodilators (hand-held inhaler or nebulizer), diuretics, and corticosteroids. Antibiotics are prescribed when respiratory infections occur. Influenza (flu) vaccines and Pneumovax are recommended for people with this diagnosis.

Thinning and removal of lung secretions can be enhanced by an adequate fluid intake and chest physical therapy (postural drainage and chest clapping).

Many people use low-flow oxygen at home. Avoidance of air pollution and smoking is important.

EXPERIMENTAL THERAPY:
An experimental surgery, called lung reduction, is currently being used to treat some patients with severe emphysema. Lung reduction surgery removes the damaged portions of the lung, thus allowing the normal portions of the lung to expand more fully and take advantage of increased areation.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome is usually better for those who quit smoking early. The outcome is likely to be poor for those who have extensive lung damage; death occurs from respiratory failure or heart failure.

Complications:

• recurrent respiratory infections
• pulmonary hypertension
• cor pulmonale (enlargement and strain on the right side of the heart)

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of emphysema develop.

If you have emphysema, call your health care provider if breathing difficulty is increased or other new symptoms develop.