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Emphysema symptoms are evident characteristics of respiratory conditions that may show it occasionally, or at times, it could be persistent. The warning signs of emphysema, a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may easily be taken for granted without knowing that this could actually be critical and life-threatening. Overview of Emphysema Emphysema is a respiratory condition where in the alveoli or the air sacs of the lungs deteriorates resulting from over inflation, therefore causes lowered capacity of the lungs and dyspnea (difficulty of breathing). Roughly 3.7 million US residents are affected by Emphysema. It is a prevalent respiratory condition for individuals aged 45 years and above. Difficulty breathing, one of the main emphysema symptoms, is usually due to tobacco use. The likelihood of acquiring such respiratory disorder is higher for long term tobacco users. Emphysema cases that involve nonsmokers are rare nevertheless it could actually occur as a result of alpha-1 intitrypsin deficiency, a protein that protects the lung tissue that's synthesized by the liver. Still, exposure to air pollution, secondhand smoke, chemical toxins and dust can promote development of emphysema for nonsmokers. Emphysema symptoms develop over the years and could become serious if left untreated. Advised treatment options for emphysema consist of the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, quitting smoking, using bronchodilators and engaging in pulmonary rehabilitations by doing coughing as well as other breathing exercises. With a change in lifestyle including steering clear of cold air and respiratory irritants, staying away from tobacco use, working out regularly, cleaning hands and the like, progression of the condition can be stunted. Other problems and further emphysema symptoms can likewise be prevented from developing with this lifestyle change. Risk Factors of Emphysema Many risk factors are associated to the development this respiratory problem. These risk factors include: • Over exposure to air pollution, dust particle or chemical fumes; • Jobs associated with working with livestock, coal or textiles; • Family background of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency; • Secondary respiratory disease; and • Smoking cigarettes and inhaling secondhand smoke. Emphysema Symptoms Shortness of breath and difficulty or breathing; these are the most typical emphysema symptoms you will note in an individual with such respiratory disorder. The other common symptoms are chest pain, coughs with yellowish or clear mucus, a whistling sound upon breathing or wheezing, tachypnea or rapid and shallow breaths, clubbing of toes and fingers resulting from thickening of tissues underneath nail beds, and exhaustion. Aside from the common manifestations, you will also find serious emphysema symptoms that are warning signs of more critical illnesses. Life threatening symptoms include: • Breathing or respiratory disorders such as choking, stopping from breathing, etc. • Changes in alertness or consciousness level like unresponsiveness or passing out; and • Cyanosis or blue discoloration of the lips and fingernails; • Tachycardia or increased heart rate Emphysema Treatment The treatment course for emphysema will begin from the time you acquire medical help and the diagnosis has been recognized. Improve the individual's breathing is the ultimate aim of treatment method by starting with the different therapy. However critical stages that do not respond to therapy will need a surgical procedure like lung transplant or resection. As the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.” The likelihood of developing emphysema symptoms and COPD itself can be reduced by staying away from the contributory factors or by simply following these suggestions: • Have lots of sleep and regular exercise; • Increase fluid intake; • Avoid cold air; • Get rid of irritants at your house such as fireplace dust, smoke or fumes; and • Take all prescribed medicines. In case you are experiencing any emphysema symptoms described in this post, immediately seek assistance from your family physician.
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