Emphysema is a condition wherein air sacs in the lungs are damaged. Eventually, the inner walls of these air sacs become weak and rupture, leading to larger air spaces instead of several tiny ones. It reduces the surface area of the lung. When a person with emphysema exhales, the damaged air sacs do not function appropriately. This results in old air getting trapped with no room for fresh air, which is why people experience shortness of breath.

Symptoms
Initially, an individual with emphysema may not experience any visible signs of the condition or experience only mild symptoms. But with the gradual progression of the disease, the signs and symptoms will become more evident and severe. A few symptoms of emphysema include coughing with excessive mucus discharge and recurring wheezing or coughing. One may also experience shortness following physical activity and a tight feeling in the chest. Several patients may experience respiratory infections like flu and cold. Other severe symptoms of emphysema include weight loss, weakness in the lower muscles, and swelling of the ankles, feet, or legs.

Causes and risk factors
More than three million people in the country are diagnosed with emphysema. The disease is often caused by long-term exposure to air irritants, such as pollution, chemical fumes, and dust. Second-hand smoke in the environment may also contribute to its development. These causes also work as risk factors that may trigger or worsen symptoms. A genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is also known to cause emphysema, but rarely. People between the ages of 40 and 60 are also more likely to develop the condition.

Complications
Those with emphysema are more likely to have other health complications. These complications include:

Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung (pneumothorax )is a fatal condition in people with emphysema. That’s because the lung is already damaged when it collapses and is a severe condition that needs to be addressed immediately.

Bullae: Bullae (large holes in the lungs) is the development of empty lung spaces in patients with emphysema. The holes can be as large as half the lung. They may also take up space meant for the lung to expand, increasing the risk of pneumothorax.

Heart complications: People who develop emphysema will also be affected by increased pressure in the arteries interconnected to the heart and lungs. The excess pressure may lead to cor pulmonale, a condition where the heart expands and becomes weak.

Diagnosis
Before initiating treatments, a healthcare expert must determine the presence of emphysema. They may enquire about the patient’s medical history and conduct a physical exam. A healthcare professional may also ask for a bung of tests to identify emphysema and rule out other diseases. Imaging tests like a chest X-ray can help identify advanced emphysema and rule out other conditions that may cause shortness of breath. CT scans are another type of imaging test used to detect the condition. A healthcare expert may also ask for lab tests where blood is taken from an artery in the wrist. The test helps identify how efficiently the lungs can transfer oxygen into the bloodstream and extract carbon dioxide. Another noninvasive test involves using a spirometer to check lung function and determine how well air flows in and out of the lungs.

Treatments Options
Treatments for emphysema help manage, cope and slow the progression of the condition. Bronchodilators are prescribed to relax blocked airways caused by symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, and breathing problems. Inhaled steroids are recommended to reduce inflammation and prevent shortness of breath. Antibiotics are given to patients with bacterial infections like acute bronchitis or pneumonia. Other options to manage emphysema include pulmonary rehabilitation, supplemental oxygen, and nutrition therapy. Healthcare experts will suggest surgeries based on the advancement and severity of emphysema. These include lung volume reduction surgery or a lung transplant.

Steps to manage emphysema
Apart from the doctor-recommended treatments, one can follow steps to curb the effects of emphysema. Regular exercise may help improve lung capacity. Avoiding contact with people affected by a cold or flu or wearing a mask outdoors is another way to reduce the risk of triggering emphysema symptoms. As cold air can lead to spasms of the bronchial passages, one must use a soft scarf or cold-air mask in cold weather to ensure they breathe in warm air.

Support
Shortness of breath caused by emphysema can affect a person’s ability to participate in regular activities. So, joining a support group with other individuals with similar conditions is advisable. This way, one can learn more about emphysema and how to manage the condition better. If an individual is uncomfortable with joining a group, they must speak with their family or close friends about their feelings. This will help reduce any stress or depression that results from emphysema.