Emphysema of the lung: treatment

Emphysema of the lungs is a pathological expansion of the air space distal to the terminal bronchioles. For this pathology, destructive modifications of the alveolar walls are characteristic. As a chronic nonspecific lung disease, emphysema is more common.

Emphysema of the lungs is divided into primary and secondary. Primary( idiopathic), develops without the presence of bronchopulmonary disease. Secondary emphysema( obstructive) develops as a result of chronic obstructive bronchitis. Emphysema is focal or diffuse.

Emphysema of the lungs is difficult to treat, as the reverse formation of functional and morphological changes, according to existing ideas, is impossible. That is why treatment is only symptomatic.

Actions of the patient

The first thing that can be done is not to bring the disease to emphysema, that is, to treat it is necessary to start bronchitis. But, unfortunately, most often patients do not immediately consult a doctor, as a result of which irreversible processes occur in the lungs, because of which further treatment is hampered.

It is very important that the patient himself is involved in the treatment of the disease. Participation of the patient consists in the fact that he must have information about his disease, understand and understand how serious it is and what complications can be. During the treatment of this disease the patient must adhere to certain rules, namely, to exclude bad habits, not only smoking and alcohol, but also professional habits that affect the lung tissue. The patient should also limit physical activity, all labor processes must be within reasonable limits.

During the treatment of this pathology, smoking cessation takes first place, so this step is mandatory and important. It is important to quit smoking immediately, rather than gradually, reducing the number of cigarettes smoked. From a one-stage stop, there will be much more effect. If it is difficult to quit smoking, remember that the success of treatment depends on this. At first you can use skin applicators and chewing gums that contain nicotine and reduce the desire to smoke. It is especially good to use them together with other activities, the purpose of which is to force a person to quit smoking.

Physician's actions

The patient, as a rule, the doctor( therapist or pulmonologist) appoints to undergo the following examination:

• examination, percussion( tapping), auscultation( listening) of the chest;
• computed tomography of the lungs. CT is assigned in order to diagnose and determine the exact location of bullae;
• X-ray examination of the lungs. The picture will show an increase in airiness of the lung tissue, its swelling, the diagram will be located below;
• inspection of external respiration functions. This study helps to determine how badly the lung function has disrupted.

Methods of treatment

As already mentioned, first of all you should give up smoking, this is an effective method of preventing and treating the disease. The patient is assigned special breathing exercises, oxygen therapy( these are inhalations of air enriched with oxygen).

Treatment consists in the careful and reasonable treatment of the underlying causes( bronchial asthma, bronchitis), which led to the development of emphysema. In the presence and for the prevention of infectious processes, antibiotics are prescribed. The patient may be prescribed drugs that dilute sputum and reduce her count, resulting in easier expectoration. The patient can be injected with substances that relieve spasm of bronchial muscles and dilate the bronchi.

Surgical treatment is prescribed only with bullous emphysema. During the operation, bulls are removed. Operative intervention is carried out by two methods. The first method is the classical method, which consists in opening the chest. The second way - the operation is carried out endoscopically, that is, through punctures, which are made in the chest by special tools. If bulls do not remove in time, pneumothorax may develop.

Remember, emphysema is a disease that can not be treated on its own without consulting a doctor. At the slightest suspicion of this pathology, it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor in order to diagnose and start treatment in a timely manner. In severe forms of emphysema, the patient is asked to make a disability.

And remember, chronic bronchitis, the habit of smoking, occupational hazards associated with the inhalation of particles of silicon, coal dust, asbestos are an indicator of mandatory follow-up by a doctor.