Pulmonary emphysema

What is it and what causes it?

It is a chronic lung disease that is characterized by the destruction of the spaces where the exchange of gases between the inspired air and the blood takes place; These spaces are the bronchioles, the alveolar ducts, and the alveoli.

There are 2 types of emphysema:

• Centroacinar emphysema, mainly the bronchioles are destroyed; This type of emphysema is located mainly in the upper parts of the lungs, and is caused by smoking.
• Pancinar emphysema, is characterized by a destruction of all the spaces where there is gas exchange; are located mainly in the lower part of the lungs, and are due to a deficiency of alpha1antitrypsin

Tobacco smoke releases chemicals that damage the wall of the alveoli.

Alpha antitrypsin is a substance found in the lungs that protects the alveoli from damage to the wall of the alveoli; there are certain people who have a deficiency of this substance, so they will be more likely to suffer from emphysema.

What symptoms do you have?

The main symptoms are coughing, dyspnea or shortness of breath, and wheezing.

Other less common symptoms are: anxiety, weight loss, ankle swelling, and fatigue.

How is it diagnosed?

The symptoms we have described will make us suspect a chronic lung disease; the complementary tests that will help us to diagnose emphysema are:

• Chest X-ray
• Arterial blood gas
• Spirometry
• The TAC.

How is it treated?

The only really effective treatment is to quit smoking. We can use some medications to improve breathing, among them are bronchodilators, diuretics, corticosteroids, and in cases of infections: antibiotics. Infections should also be prevented through the flu and pneumonia vaccine.

In certain cases, oxygen can be used in a mask or nasal goggles; in severe cases it can be treated with lung transplantation, and the case in which the emphysema is localized can be treated with surgery in which the affected part of the lung is resected.