Emphysema Impact of Smoking Habits?

Emphysema is a disease that attacks the lungs. Emphysema arises because of smoking habits developed over many years.

This disease is included in the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) group and has the potential to threaten the lives of sufferers. Emphysema can cause symptoms such as tightness and difficulty breathing for sufferers. Due to damage to the air sacs in the alveoli or lungs.

Emphysema is an obstructive lung disease that is progressive and chronic. Emphysema is a disease that causes the air spaces farthest from the end of the bronchioles to get bigger and the lung parenchyma to get damaged. In addition, damage to the alveoli can also interfere with the process of releasing air containing carbon dioxide from the lungs. Thus causing the lungs to expand slowly, which causes air to be trapped and accumulate in the air sacs.

Enphysema will get worse with time. Although there are treatments that can slow the progression of emphysema, damaged alveoli cannot be relisted.

 

Emphysema Symptoms

Emphysema is generally experienced by someone who has had smoking habits for many years. The symptoms of emphysema themselves are quite diverse; some of the most common are::

• Short breaths when doing light activities
• Blue lips and nails due to lack of oxygen intake
• Changes in the shape of the chest (barrel chest)
• Appetite and weight loss
• Fatigue and body weakness

 

Causes of Emphysema

The most common cause of emphysema is exposure to cigarette smoke and smoking habits. In addition, long-term exposure to pollution and chemicals in industry can also trigger emphysema.

Although it is uncommon, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic condition that can cause emphysema. This condition occurs due to a deficiency of alpha-1 protein, which functions to protect the elastic in the lung organs.

 

Emphysema Risk Factors

Emphysema is more common in people with the following factors:

• Have a habit of smoking or exposure to cigarette smoke (passive smoking)
• Work or live in an environment easily exposed to air pollution.
• Have a history of obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

 

The diagnosis of emphysema needs to be done primarily through spirometry. Other investigations that can help with emphysema include chest x-rays, blood tests, an electrocardiogram, pulse oximetry, and CT scans.

Emphysema treatment is carried out based on the severity experienced by the patient. If this condition cannot be cured, treatment will be given to slow the development of emphysema, including the following:

• Administration of drugs (bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and antibiotics)
• Operations, therapy
• And lifestyle changes

 

Therefore, to avoid emphysema, Friends of Hermina can start by avoiding trigger factors such as smoking and exposure to air pollution. Consult for prevention as early as possible so you can prevent emphysema and change your lifestyle to a healthy one.