Question 1

Is Emphysema curable?

Accepted Answer

is not curable for now but advancements in medicine have made treating and managing the symptoms much easier. People can rely on medication, exercise and therapy to manage Emphysema.

Question 2

What are the alternative treatment options for Emphysema?

Accepted Answer

therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation have shown positive results in people suffering from Emphysema. With regular exercise and a controlled intake of food, people can manage this respiratory disorder without having to completely rely on allopathic medication.

Question 3

Why am I always out of breath after physical activity and not while I'm doing it?

Accepted Answer

exercising, people are usually very focused on the exercise rather than how they are breathing. For example, while walking up a flight of stairs, you think of climbing and regulating your breath. Once you have finished climbing those stairs, you tend to subconsciously go back to unregulated breathing.

Question 4

What are the probable causes of COPD?

Accepted Answer

is known to be the leading key factor in the development and progression of COPD. Other factors, such as asthma, exposure to air pollutants in the home/workplace, genetic factors and respiratory infections also play a vital role in the development of COPD. In the rarest of scenarios, COPD can also be caused by Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited disorder that leads to the development of lung disease in adults and liver disease in adults and children.

Question 5

How easy is it to diagnose COPD?

Accepted Answer

diagnose COPD, the doctor starts with a physical exam. They take a complete overview of your medical history, whether you smoke, and if you have a family history of COPD. Once the details are taken, the doctor measures the level of oxygen in your blood through a simple blood test or by using a pulse oximeter (a painless device that clips onto your finger). Another test to identify COPD is Spirometry. It’s a simple test that measures how much air moves in and out of the lungs, and at what speed. This test is recommended by doctors to identify respiratory disorders even before you show any symptoms of Emphysema (COPD). Spirometry also helps determine the severity of the condition. Additional tests include CT scans and X-rays.

Question 6

What are the symptoms of Emphysema?

Accepted Answer

the initial stages, you might not experience any symptoms. However, as the disease worsens, the symptoms will start surfacing and become more severe. They can include: 13; Tightness in the chest 13; Bringing up phlegm (if chronic bronchitis is also present) 13; Frequent wheezing and coughing 13; Shortness of breath (especially after physical activity) 13; Difficulty sleeping (probable signs of insomnia) 13; Whistling or squeaky sound while breathing 13; Swelling in the ankles, feet or legs 13; Weakness in the lower muscles 13; Weight loss. 13;

Question 7

Will I have to regularly exercise if I am diagnosed with Emphysema?

Accepted Answer

exercise plays a major role in regulating breathing. When you exercise, your body undergoes exertion and, in this process, your lungs absorb larger volumes of air and involve all the alveoli in the lower portions of the lung. This helps maintain the elasticity of the lung.

Question 8

Is COPD the same as Emphysema?

Accepted Answer

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is an umbrella term under which Bronchitis and emphysema fall.

Question 9

Is emphysema the same as Bronchitis?

Accepted Answer

Emphysema and Bronchitis cause pulmonary obstruction and the symptoms are similar, the major factor that differentiates them is their effect on the lungs. Emphysema causes the lining of the alveoli to deteriorate while Bronchitis gradually destroys the cilia.

Question 10

I am not a smoker. Can I still be affected by Emphysema?

Accepted Answer

inhaling second-hand smoke or inhaling chemical irritants in the air can result in the development of this condition. People living in industrial areas or near chemical factories should take extra care to breathe clean air. Using air filters at home and covering your face with masks and scarves when you go out can help prevent the onset of this lung disease.

Question 11

Can I have both Asthma and Emphysema together?

Accepted Answer

you can suffer from both asthma and Emphysema at the same time. Many people who have COPD also suffer from asthma, although people with asthma need not necessarily develop COPD. One major difference between the two is that with proper treatment, asthma sufferers can easily get rid of the symptoms. Additionally, the symptoms of asthma (wheezing, coughing, etc.) are usually caused by triggers like cold air, allergens, etc. The signs of asthma tend to appear in younger people who are non-smokers while COPD symptoms are common among the elderly and people who smoke. Airway obstruction with asthma is typically reversible, while people with COPD develop permanent lung damage that progresses over time.

Question 12

What medical treatments are available for curing Emphysema?

Accepted Answer

is a long-term condition that isn’t curable as of now. However, there are dedicated medical treatments that can help ease the symptoms to a great extent. The treatments include: 13; Quitting Smoking 13; Pulmonary rehabilitation (physical therapy and exercise) 13; Steroids and other medications (as prescribed) 13; Oxygen therapy 13; Lung surgery or lung transplant 13; Pulmonary rehabilitation involves exercise, educating the individual about their nutritional needs and psychological counselling. Depending on the symptoms, the doctor might also prescribe inhaler medicines that relax the airways and allow you to breathe easily. Those suffering from severe COPD might require supplemental oxygen.

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