Emphysema is a type of COPD involving damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. As a result, your body does not get the oxygen it needs. Emphysema makes it hard to catch your breath. You may also have a chronic cough and have trouble breathing during exercise. The most common cause is cigarette smoking
2. INTRODUCTION
Emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath. In people
with emphysema, the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) are damaged. Over
time, the inner walls of the air sacs weaken and rupture — creating larger
air spaces instead of many small ones. This reduces the surface area of the
lungs and, in turn, the amount of oxygen that reaches your bloodstream.
3. DEFINITION
It is defined as impaired gas exchange (O2, CO2) resulting from
destruction of wall of over distended alveoli or permanent dilation of air
sac.
4. INCIDENCE
The National Health Interview Survey reports the prevalence of emphysema at 18
cases per 1000 persons and chronic bronchitis at 34 cases per 1000 persons.
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7. RISK FACTOR
Smoking. Emphysema is most likely to develop in cigarette smokers, but cigar and pipe
smokers also are susceptible. The risk for all types of smokers increases with the number
of years and amount of tobacco smoked.
Age. Although the lung damage that occurs in emphysema develops gradually, most
people with tobacco-related emphysema begin to experience symptoms of the disease
between the ages of 40 and 60.
Exposure to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke, also known as passive or
environmental tobacco smoke, is smoke that you inadvertently inhale from someone
else's cigarette, pipe or cigar. Being around secondhand smoke increases your risk of
emphysema.
Occupational exposure to fumes or dust. If you breathe fumes from certain chemicals
or dust from grain, cotton, wood or mining products, you're more likely to develop
emphysema. This risk is even greater if you smoke.
Exposure to indoor and outdoor pollution. Breathing indoor pollutants, such as fumes
from heating fuel, as well as outdoor pollutants — car exhaust, for instance — increases
your risk of emphysema.
8. CAUSES
The main cause of emphysema is long-term exposure to airborne
irritants, including:
Tobacco smoke
Air pollution
Chemical fumes and dust
10. SYMPTOMS
Breathlessness with exertion or even at rest
Swelling of the legs, ankles and feet
Bloating of the abdomen due to fluid buildup
Cough while lying down
Fatigue
Irregular heartbeats that feel rapid, fluttering
Pleuritic Chest pain
Dizziness
Dyspnea
Cyanosis
11. DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION:
Lung (pulmonary) function tests
Laboratory tests.
Arterial blood gas analysis.
CT scan.
14. COMPLICATIONS
People who have emphysema are also more likely to develop:
Collapsed lung (pneumothorax). A collapsed lung can be life-
threatening in people who have severe emphysema, because the
function of their lungs is already so compromised. This is uncommon
but serious when it occurs.
Heart problems. Emphysema can increase the pressure in the arteries
that connect the heart and lungs.
Large holes in the lungs (bullae). Some people with emphysema
develop empty spaces in the lungs called bullae. They can be as large
as half the lung. In addition to reducing the amount of space available
for the lung to expand, giant bullae can increase your risk of
pneumothorax.
15. MEDICATIONS
Depending upon the severity of your symptoms, your doctor might suggest:
Bronchodilators. These drugs can help relieve coughing, shortness of breath and
breathing problems by relaxing constricted airways.
Example
Salbutamol
Albuterol
Corticosteroids:
Example
Prednisolone
Metaprednisolone
16. CONTI…
Anticholinergic:
Example
Atropine sulphate
Mast Cell Stabilizers :
Example
Cromolyn sodium
Xanthine derivatives :
Example
Theophylline
Aminophylline
Antitussives Drugs:
17. THERAPY
Pulmonary rehabilitation. A pulmonary rehabilitation program can teach you
breathing exercises and techniques that may help reduce your breathlessness and
improve your ability to exercise.
Nutrition therapy. You'll also receive advice about proper nutrition. In the early
stages of emphysema, many people need to lose weight, while people with late-
stage emphysema often need to gain weight.
Supplemental oxygen. If you have severe emphysema with low blood oxygen
levels, using oxygen regularly at home and when you exercise may provide some
relief. Many people use oxygen 24 hours a day. It's usually administered via
narrow tubing that fits into your nostrils
18. SURGERY
Lung volume reduction surgery. In this procedure, surgeons
remove small wedges of damaged lung tissue. Removing the
diseased tissue helps the remaining lung tissue expand and work
more efficiently and helps improve breathing.
Lung transplant. Lung transplantation is an option if you have
severe lung damage and other options have failed.
19. NURSING DIAGNOSIS
Ineffective airway clearance related to excessive mucous congestion
as evidenced by shortness of breath.
Fluid volume deficit related to fever, diaphoresis as evidenced by
reduced skin turgor.
Altered nutrition less then body requirements related to loss of
appetite as evidenced by weight loss
Activity intolerance related to decreased energy reserves as evidenced
by patients tired look