|
| Condition Emphysema More Treatment |
Question:
What is empysema and what treatments are there for it?
Answer:
Emphysema is a chronic
respiratory condition affecting an estimated two million Americans,
nearly always caused by the destruction of lung
tissue by toxins contained in cigarette smoke. This in turn leads to
chronic overinflation of the lungs, greatly decreasing their ability
to function.
Specifically,
emphysema destroys the structural architecture of the lungs and
results in destruction of the alveoli, the approximately three million
tiny air sacs in the lungs. Oxygen is delivered to the lungs and
carbon dioxide is carried from the lungs across the walls of the
alveoli; as more and more alveoli are damaged, it becomes harder and
harder for the lungs to function.
As the disease progresses, breathing becomes increasingly difficult.
In its most severe stage, virtually any physical activity becomes
extremely difficult, if not impossible.
Emphysema does not suddenly occur. It develops over a long
period of time. Unfortunately, many sufferers ignore their condition
until it becomes serious, at which point treatment options are less
effective.
|
|
