Pipe, cigar, and other types of tobacco smoke can also cause emphysema, especially if you inhale them. Exposure to other inhaled irritants can contribute to emphysema. These include secondhand smoke , air pollution , and chemical fumes or dusts from the environment or workplace. Rarely, a genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can play a role in causing emphysema.
At first, you may have no symptoms or only mild symptoms. As the disease gets worse, your symptoms usually become more severe. They can include. Some people with emphysema get frequent respiratory infections such as colds and the flu. In severe cases, emphysema can cause weight loss, weakness in your lower muscles, and swelling in your ankles, feet, or legs.
There is no cure for emphysema. However, treatments can help with symptoms, slow the progress of the disease, and improve your ability to stay active. There are also treatments to prevent or treat complications of the disease. Treatments include. If you have emphysema, it's important to know when and where to get help for your symptoms. You should get emergency care if you have severe symptoms, such as trouble catching your breath or talking.
Call your health care provider if your symptoms are getting worse or if you have signs of an infection, such as a fever. Since smoking causes most cases of emphysema, the best way to prevent it is to not smoke. It's also important to try to avoid lung irritants such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and dusts. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.
In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. New York, N. Weiss ST. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Risk factors and risk reduction. Han MK, et al. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Definition, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and staging.
Ferguson GT, et al. Management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. What is bronchitis? Jong EC, et al. Travel with chronic medical conditions. In: Travel and Tropical Medicine Manual. Gautret P, et al. Journal of Travel Medicine. Fishwick D, et al. Occupational chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A standard of care. Emphysema is one of the two most common conditions that fall under the umbrella term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD.
The other major COPD condition is chronic bronchitis. Emphysema is an irreversible condition, so treatment aims to slow its progression and minimize symptoms. Some people have emphysema for years without knowing it. Some of its first signs are shortness of breath and coughing, especially during exercise or physical exertion. This continues to get worse until breathing is difficult all the time, even when resting.
Other symptoms may include:. Some people may develop bluish-gray lips or fingernails from lack of oxygen. If this happens, seek medical attention immediately. According to the American Lung Association , 2 million adults 1. Rates were higher among males, non-Hispanic white people, and those over the age of However, the rates among females have been increasing in recent decades, so the gap between the sexes has been decreasing. Smoking tobacco is the main cause of emphysema.
The more you smoke, the higher your risk of developing emphysema. This includes smoking cannabis. Smoking leads to the death of more than , Americans a year, and 80 percent of those deaths are caused by COPD, including emphysema. Exposure to secondhand smoke also increases your risk of developing emphysema.
Treatment may also change over time and as the condition progresses. People can take steps to manage their symptoms, improve their quality of life, and slow the progression of emphysema.
The sooner a person takes these steps, the more helpful they will be. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program of care that encourages people with emphysema to learn about and manage their condition.
There is a focus on developing and maintaining healthful lifestyle choices. Making these changes may not alter the overall course of the condition, but it can help people manage the symptoms, improve their exercise capacity, and boost their quality of life. People should also ensure that they meet with their healthcare provider regularly and receive their routine vaccinations, including those for flu and pneumonia. In time, breathing can become more difficult, and a person may need oxygen therapy some or all of the time.
Some people use oxygen overnight, for example. Various devices are available, including large tanks for home use and portable oxygen kits for traveling. People with severe emphysema may sometimes need to undergo surgery to remove damaged lung tissue and reduce large spaces that develop in the lungs due to the condition. However, there are some risks involved, such as the chance of infection. A healthcare provider will help the person decide whether or not surgery is a good idea for them.
Other treatment options can help during a flare-up or if complications arise. These options may include:. The outlook for a person with emphysema will depend on individual factors and how well they manage their condition. It takes several years to progress to the final stages of COPD or emphysema, but lifestyle factors play a role. Quitting smoking can significantly improve the outlook.
Research suggests that for those who have never smoked, COPD will modestly reduce their life span. People who do smoke, however, can expect their life span to be significantly shorter. Taking lifestyle measures to manage the condition can help a person maintain a good quality of life for longer.
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