What is emphysema?
A destructive lung disease that is characterized by the deterioration of the alveoli that helps promote the exchange of oxygen between the air and the bloodstream is called emphysema.
Emphysema is a progressive disease of the lung.
It is a long-standing disease which results when the alveolar walls are destroyed with the capillary blood vessels within them.
What are the types of emphysema?
• Centriacinar:
In this type of emphysema, the upper part of the lung is affected.
The damage occurs around the bronchioles.
• Panacinar:
In this type of emphysema, the lower half of the lung is affected.
The classification of emphysema depends upon the lung destruction:
• Centrilobular emphysema-
This type of emphysema most predominantly affects the bronchioles of the respiratory system, especially in the central portion of acini and hence involves the middle portion of the secondary lobules.
• Panlobular emphysema-
This type of emphysema involves all the parts or components of the acinus but not in a uniform style and hence it involves entire secondary lobules.
This type is usually associated with a deficiency of a very important enzyme protein called an alpha-1-protease inhibitor.
• Paraseptal emphysema-
This type of emphysema involves the ducts of alveoli and sacs in the lung’s periphery, and with the parts of destruction often possess a margin of interlobular septa.
What are the causes of emphysema?
• History of the patient.
• Family history of the patient.
• Smoking.
• Occupational exposure to fumes or dust.
• Aging.
• Intravenous drug abuse.
• Exposure to indoor and outdoor pollution.
• Infections like Pneumocystis carinii can cause inflammatory changes in the lung.
• In rare cases, emphysema is caused by an inherited deficiency of a protein, called Alpha-1 antitrypsin that protects the elastic structures in the lungs.
What are the sign and symptoms of emphysema?
• Shortness of breath.
• Wheezing.
• Initially, the shortness of breath occurs with activity but with time shortness of breath occurs even while at rest.
What is the differential diagnosis of emphysema?
• Bronchitis
• Bronchiectasis
• Chronic Bronchitis
How to investigate emphysema?
• Chest X-ray
• Computerized tomography (CT scan)
• Complete blood count
• Pulmonary function tests
How to treat emphysema?
• Drugs for smoking cessation.
• Bronchodilators.
• Corticosteroid drugs inhaled as aerosol sprays
• Antibiotics.
Surgery:
Depending on the severity of emphysema, one of the following surgical procedures may be adopted, including:
• Lung volume reduction.
• Lung transplantation.
Pulmonary rehabilitation:
The patient is educated about:
• Proper breathing techniques.
• Clearance of secretions.
• Understanding medicines and devices.
Diet:
• Antioxidants are beneficial for lungs e.g. fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid caffeine-containing beverages.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking.
• Drink adequate water to maintain moisture in the air passage.
• Apple is very beneficial in restoring lung function.
What is the prognosis of emphysema?
• Emphysema affects the quality of life.
• The aim of treatment is to prevent further damage to the lung and to maximize the function of healthy lung tissue.
• It is a long-term illness.
• Medicines improve their quality of life. However the condition gets worse if the patient doesn’t stop smoking.
What are the complications of emphysema?
• Need for the breathing machine and oxygen therapy
• Irregular heartbeat
• Pneumonia
• Thinning of the bones (osteoporosis)
• Pneumothorax
• Severe weight loss and malnutrition
What are the indicated homoeopathic medicines for emphysema?
Some of the homoeopathic medicines can help in the case of emphysema. These are:
• Antimonium tartaricum
• Arsenicum album
• Belladonna
• Ipecacuanha
• Lobelia inflata
