Pulmonary emphysema can be identified by looking at the onset of symptoms associated with lung disease, such as rapid breathing, coughing or shortness of breath, for example. Thus, to confirm emphysema, the doctor recommends certain tests to evaluate the functioning of the lungs and thus it is possible to initiate the most appropriate treatment.
Emphysema is more common in people who have smoked for several years because smoking promotes the destruction of pulmonary alveoli, which interferes with gas exchanges. For example, to avoid disease, it is important to avoid smoking or staying in environments where there is a lot of cigarette smoke.
- Diagnosis of pulmonary emphysema is made by the family doctor or pneumologist based on the signs and symptoms presented by the person.
- Medical history.
- Lifestyle and evaluation of the results of the requested tests.
- It is therefore important that the person is attentive and consult the doctor as soon as he notices certain signs and symptoms.
- Such as:.
Therefore, after evaluation of symptoms by the doctor, tests should be required to evaluate lung function and pulmonary auscultation to check the sounds produced by the lung at the time of breathing. In addition, a test should be done to evaluate lung capacity, called spirometry, that measures the volume of inspired air to see if it is satisfactory or not, as well as X-rays or tomography and blood gas tests.
Therefore, depending on test results and correlation with a person’s symptoms and lifestyle habits, such as smoking, lung emphysema diagnosis may be made.
See what other symptoms may indicate pulmonary emphysema
Emphysema is characterized by the destruction of a large number of alveoli, which are small structures in the lung responsible for the exchange of gases and the entry of oxygen into the bloodstream, as well as impairing the ability to expand the lung.
Thus, oxygen is unable to penetrate properly into the body, resulting in the appearance of the characteristic symptoms of emphysema, since the lungs fill with air, but are not completely emptied to allow new air to enter.
Most cases of emphysema occur in smokers, as cigarette smoke affects the alveoli, reducing air intake. In addition to smoking, pulmonary emphysema can occur as a result of respiratory diseases, such as chronic bronchitis, asthma or cystic fibrosis, prolonged exposure to pollution or smoke, for example.
The best way to prevent emphysema is not to smoke, but it’s also important not to stay in places where there’s cigarette smoke. Other means include treating any respiratory infection, such as flu, cold, bronchitis and pneumonia as soon as possible. Other tips include:
In addition, you should eat a healthy and balanced diet, preferring vegetables, fruits, whole grains and vegetables, increasingly reducing the consumption of processed, processed and high salt foods. Taking ginger tea regularly is a good prevention strategy as it is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and is useful for keeping cells healthy.
Treatment of pulmonary emphysema should always be guided by a pneumologist, as it is necessary to adapt it to the symptoms you present and the degree of development of the disease. However, in all cases, it is important to avoid smoking and not stay in heavily contaminated or smoked areas.
In addition, medications to dilate lung structures and help with air intake, such as salbutamol or salmeterol, may also be prescribed. But, in case of more severe symptoms, corticosteroids, such as beclometasone or budesonide, may also be necessary to relieve airway inflammation and reduce shortness of breath.
Your doctor may also recommend respiratory physiotherapy sessions, which use exercises that help dilate your lungs and increase oxygen levels in your body. Find out how pulmonary emphysema is treated.
An excellent home treatment to control emphysema is to breathe properly. To do this, you must sit on the bed or sofa with your legs stretched and sloping, place your hands on your stomach and, inhaling, observe the movements of your abdomen and chest. When inhaling, count for up to 2 seconds as air enters the lungs and, to exhale, lightly press the lips to prolong exhalation.
Emphysema is not cancer, but it increases a person’s chances of developing lung cancer, especially if they continue to smoke after diagnosis.