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The Symptoms of Emphysema

 Millions of Americans are feeling the effects of Emphysema. They will have to be on medication for the rest of their lives and some will have to rely on an oxygen tank for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately the rest of their lives won’t be as long as it should be.

Emphysema is a serious lung disease that involves damage to the lungs air sacs and effects breathing. About 85% of the deaths associated with Emphysema are caused by smoking. Stopping smoking can slow down the disease. It is also important to avoid anything that will irritate the lungs, such as air pollution, smog, certain perfumes and candles.

The symptoms of Emphysema include shortness of breath, breathing difficulty and reduced capacity for physical activity, chronic mild cough, loss of appetite with weight loss, fatigue and recurrent respiratory infections. Emphysema often occurs with chronic bronchitis and is called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD when they occur together.

The major risk factor for developing Emphysema is smoking so the best way to prevent it is to never smoke. If you do smoke it’s extremely important to quit. If you already have Emphysema flare-ups can be controlled or prevented by properly taking all medications and by promptly seeing your doctor if you are experiencing signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection or if you are having shortness of breath.

Receiving all necessary vaccines to help prevent respiratory infections, such as the pneumonia and flu vaccines, are also imperative. The pneumonia vaccine should be obtained every five years and the flu vaccine is needed every year before flu season. It can’t be stressed enough that these vaccines are highly important because respiratory infections can become critical for anyone who suffers from Emphysema.

There are approximately 4.1 million people in the United States who have been diagnosed with Emphysema. Out all these people approximately 16,000 people will die from Emphysema each year. These deaths can be prevented. Stop smoking now. Isn’t your life worth it?
By: C.Olvera
Published: 04/27/08


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    2 Posted Comments:

    Emphysema, i know the feeling

    @ 12:14 pm 04/29/08 by ed
    Tht's what my docotor said.

    It's not fun.

    Smoking for over 40 years, wish I could do it over again.
    Reply to this Comment

    I was diagonsed with Emphysema,

    @ 7:25 pm 05/02/08 by ed


    I have heard it lke hitting a wall when you hit 50-60,
    I can honestly tell you that it's true.

    After 40 years of smoking I wish I could find that
    rewind button of life,
    Reply to this Comment

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