What Is Emphysema?

Emphysema is a type of lung disease that makes it difficult for a person to breathe deeply. It is typically caused by cigarette smoking or long-term exposure to airborne irritants that damage the lungs.

A healthy person’s lungs contain tiny air sacs called alveoli that fill up with oxygen when the person inhales. This oxygen is transferred to the bloodstream and circulated throughout the body. When a person has emphysema, his or her alveoli have broken down over time, making it more difficult for the lungs to take in and circulate oxygen effectively.

Emphysema is one type of a group of lung conditions called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic bronchitis is another form of COPD., Regardless of the cause, once a person’s alveoli are damaged, there is no way to repair the affected lung tissue. Emphysema treatments focus on slowing disease progression and helping to control symptoms.

Symptoms of Emphysema

Symptoms of emphysema often are mild at first and become progressively more debilitating over time. They can include:

• Wheezing or rapid breathing
• Coughing that produces mucus
• Shortness of breath, especially when exercising or playing sports
• A feeling of tightness in the chest
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Headache upon waking up
• Blue fingernails or lips
• Decreased appetite
• Sexual dysfunction

In more severe cases, emphysema can lead to chronic fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and weight loss. Some patients with emphysema experience anxiety and depression.

Risk Factors for Emphysema

Emphysema most often is caused by long-term exposure to smoke and other irritants that damage the lungs. Risk factors for emphysema include:

• Smoking: People who smoke cigarettes, pipes, and cigars are at elevated risk of developing emphysema.
• Exposure to irritants: People exposed to secondhand smoke or excessive air pollution are more likely than others to have emphysema. This can include long-term exposure to chemicals or fumes at work. People who work in jobs such as mining or automotive repair may be at elevated risk because they are regularly breathing in fumes and particulate matter.
• Respiratory infections: People who have frequent respiratory infections may be at higher risk of developing emphysema.
• Genetics: People with a rare genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency are at higher risk for emphysema.
• Age: Patients typically do not experience emphysema symptoms until they are in their 40s or older.

According to the National Institutes of Health, cigarette smoking is the primary cause of emphysema in the U.S., accounting for up to 75% of people with this condition.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Emphysema

Symptoms of emphysema may be similar to symptoms of other lung conditions. To rule out other possible causes, a physician will conduct different diagnostic tests in addition to performing a complete physical exam and reviewing a patient’s health history. Tests can include:

• Imaging: A chest X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan can provide images of the lung structure.
• Blood tests: A blood draw can check the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood to determine how well the lungs are functioning.
• Sputum culture: This test examines mucus to check for a possible lung infection.
• Spirometry: This test uses a simple device called a spirometer that measures how much air a patient can take in. It can help gauge the severity of lung disease and determine whether a patient’s airways are restricted.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test uses sensors attached to the skin to measure the heart’s electrical activity. Patients with COPD may have irregular heart rhythms, known as arrhythmia.

While there is no cure for emphysema, lifestyle changes and certain medications can help slow disease progression and mitigate symptoms. The most important step people can take is to stop smoking. Other lifestyle modifications include:

• Taking steps to prevent infection: Practicing good hand washing methods, using an antibacterial mouthwash, and getting a flu shot each year can help reduce the likelihood of a respiratory infection that can exacerbate emphysema.
• Reducing exposure to irritants: People with emphysema should keep their homes clean and free of dust, refrain from using harsh chemicals or strong perfumes, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, pollen, and pollution.
• Staying healthy: Patients should follow their doctor’s recommendations for exercise and eating a balanced diet.

Many patients with emphysema also will require medication and supplemental treatments to manage their condition. These include:

• Oral medications to reduce inflammation and relax the muscles around the airways
• Oxygen therapy to help prevent hypoxemia
• Inhalers to help reduce airway inflammation

Some patients with emphysema may benefit from a procedure called lung volume reduction surgery, which removes diseased tissue from the lungs. Other patients may be referred to a respiratory rehabilitation program, which teaches breathing and stress management techniques to help people maintain lung function. Emphysema can be a challenging disease to live with, and some patients benefit from joining support groups that help them share resources and coping techniques.

Infusion Therapy Services at Regional Cancer Care Associates

For some patients, infusion services can significantly improve symptoms and help manage emphysema. Often, patients with emphysema experience flare-ups or exacerbations, in which their symptoms become more severe. These flare-ups can be caused by seasonal pollen, pet dander, or other irritants. Steroid treatments delivered intravenously via infusion therapy can help reduce inflammation and counteract symptoms.

For patients who develop emphysema because of AAT deficiency, regular infusion of alpha-1 antitrypsin protein that has been isolated from the blood of healthy donors may slow the progression of the disease.

The frequency and duration of infusion treatments will vary from patient to patient. Infusion services at Regional Cancer Care Associates offices are typically administered in a comfortable and open treatment room. A medical professional is always on hand to monitor patients and supervise medication administration.

Find Outstanding Care at Regional Cancer Care Associates

At Regional Cancer Care Associates, patients receive state-of-the-art infusion services in a supportive environment. In addition to emphysema, infusion treatment is available for several other chronic conditions, including:

• Asthma
• Crohn’s disease
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Multiple sclerosis
• Osteoporosis
• Plaque psoriasis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ulcerative colitis

The experienced physicians, nurses, and laboratory staff work together to provide the best care possible to each patient. With convenient locations in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., area, patients can find care close to home. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact us today.