Pulmonary emphysema: what it is, symptoms, treatment, causes, gymnastics. Emphysema: description of the disease, symptoms and treatment Sac in the lungs

The girl consulted a doctor about her father’s illness: “Recently, my family was faced with a diagnosis: pulmonary emphysema. My father, who is only 60 years old, fell ill. The disease progresses rapidly. How dangerous is this disease?

Emphysema is a pathological increase in lung volume. Up to 4% of the population suffers from this disease, mainly older men.

Risk of developing the disease:

congenital forms associated with whey protein deficiency. More often detected in residents of Northern Europe;
at smoking people the risk of developing emphysema is 15 times higher than that of non-smokers, passive smoking is just as dangerous;
microcirculation disorders in lung tissues;
and alveoli;
professional activity associated with a gradual increase in pressure in the bronchi and alveolar tissue,

Under the influence of these factors, the elastic tissue of the lung is damaged and its ability to fill with air is lost.

Stretching of bronchioles and alveoli, their size increases.

Smooth muscles are stretched, the walls of blood vessels become thinner, nutrition in the acinus (the smallest formations that make up the lung tissue), where gas exchange occurs between air and blood, is disrupted, and the body experiences oxygen deficiency. The enlarged areas compress healthy lung tissue, which further impairs their ventilation, causing shortness of breath and other symptoms of emphysema.

To compensate and improve respiratory function, the respiratory muscles are actively involved.

Emphysema is almost always a consequence of diseases such as bronchitis. And only in rare cases the disease is inherited. It develops unnoticed by the patient. Symptoms appear when there is significant damage to the lung tissue, so early diagnosis emphysema is difficult. If, during periods of remission of chronic lung diseases, shortness of breath increased, and during exacerbations it sharply limited physical activity, you should immediately consult a doctor. All these symptoms may indicate the development of the initial symptoms of emphysema.

As a rule, shortness of breath begins to bother the patient after 50-60 years. First it appears during physical activity, later at rest. During an attack of shortness of breath, the face turns pink. The patient, as a rule, sits leaning forward, often holding on to the back of the chair in front of him. The exhalation with emphysema is long, noisy, the patient purses his lips into a tube, trying to ease his breathing. When inhaling, patients do not experience difficulty, but exhaling is very difficult. Due to the characteristic appearance During an attack of shortness of breath, patients suffering from emphysema are sometimes called “pink puffers.”

Cough occurs after shortness of breath, which distinguishes emphysema from bronchitis. The cough is not prolonged, the sputum is scanty and transparent. The chest is expanded, as if frozen while inhaling. It is often figuratively called barrel-shaped. A characteristic sign of emphysema is loss of body weight. This is due to fatigue of the respiratory muscles, which work at full strength to facilitate exhalation. A marked decrease in body weight is an unfavorable sign of the development of the disease.

The apices of the lungs bulge in the supraclavicular areas, expanding and sinking into the intercostal spaces. The fingers become like drumsticks. The tip of the nose, earlobes, and nails become bluish. As the disease progresses, the skin and mucous membranes become pale because small capillaries do not fill with blood and occurs oxygen starvation.

Men, as I already said, suffer from this pathology more often, especially if they work in hazardous industries with high levels of air pollution.

The second factor provoking the development of the disease, especially when genetic predisposition, smoking is recognized because nicotine activates the release of destructive enzymes in the respiratory organs.

It is also important to take age-related changes into account. The blood circulation of an elderly person changes over the years, sensitivity to air toxins increases, and lung tissue recovers more slowly after pneumonia.

First of all, carry out peak flowmetry, which determines the volumetric flow rate of exhalation, and spirometry, revealing changes in the tidal volume of the lungs and the degree of respiratory failure. The latter is carried out using a special device - a spirometer, which records the volume and speed of inhaled (exhaled) air.

X-ray examinations of the chest organs reveal dilated cavities and determine an increase in lung volume. Computed tomography shows increased “airiness” of the lungs. Emphysema is classified into several categories. The nature of the course is acute (it can be caused by physical activity, an attack bronchial asthma; requires surgical treatment) and chronic (changes in the lungs occur gradually, and early stage complete cure can be achieved).

In origin - primary (due to the congenital characteristics of the body, it is an independent disease, diagnosed even in newborns; difficult to treat, secondary emphysema also progresses quickly (due to obstructive pulmonary diseases in a chronic form; leads to loss of ability to work).

By anatomical features differentiate panacinar(in the absence of inflammation, respiratory failure is noted), periacinar(develops with tuberculosis), peri-scar(manifests near fibrotic foci and scars in the lungs) and subcutaneous(air bubbles form under the skin) shape.

The most dangerous - bullous(bubble) form, in which one large cavity is formed filled with air. Inflammatory and suppurative processes occur in the lungs (chronic abscess, tuberculosis). The danger of bullous emphysema is associated with severe thinning of the surface shell of the bulla (formations in the form of air bubbles in the lung tissue), rupture of which is possible if sharp changes pressure in the chest (cough). Arises dangerous condition called pneumothorax, which can result in respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.

Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis under the supervision of a pulmonologist or therapist. Hospitalization is indicated for severe respiratory failure and if complications occur (pulmonary hemorrhage, pneumothorax).

To stop the inflammatory process are prescribed antibacterial drugs. For bronchial asthma or bronchitis with attacks of difficulty breathing, bronchial dilators are indicated ( theophylline, berodual, salbutamol). To facilitate sputum production - mucolytics ( ambrobene, lazolvan, acetyl-cysteine, fluimicin). To improve gas exchange at initial stage diseases apply oxygen therapy. This treatment involves inhaling air with a reduced amount of oxygen for 5 minutes. Then the patient breathes air with a normal oxygen content for the same amount of time. The session includes six such cycles once a day for 15-20 days.

Nutrition for a patient with emphysema

A balanced diet will help strengthen your immune system and remove toxins from your body. In case of respiratory failure, consuming large amounts of carbohydrates can lead to an even greater lack of oxygen. Therefore, a low-calorie diet is recommended. The diet is divided, 4-6 times a day.

Fats - at least 80-90 g. This can be vegetable and butter, high fat dairy products.

Proteins - up to 120 g per day. Eggs, meat of any kind, sausages, sea and river fish, seafood, liver.

Carbohydrates - about 350 g. Fruits, berries, vegetables, wholemeal bread, honey.

Drinks include juices, kumiss, rosehip compote.

Limiting salt (up to 6 g) to prevent edema and cardiac complications.

The diet of patients with emphysema should not contain alcohol, cooking fats, or high-fat confectionery products.

With emphysema, the respiratory muscles are in constant tone, so they quickly get tired. Classic, segmental (stroking, kneading, rubbing) and acupressure (pressure on certain points of the body) massages help remove mucus and dilate the bronchi.

An important role is assigned physical therapy. A set of specially selected exercises to strengthen the respiratory muscles is performed for 15 minutes 4 times a day. It includes exercises for training diaphragmatic breathing and its rhythm:

The patient exhales deeply and slowly through a tube, one end of which is in a jar of water. The water barrier creates pressure when you exhale.
Starting position: standing, feet shoulder-width apart. The patient takes a deep breath and, as he exhales, stretches his arms in front of him and leans forward. During exhalation, you need to pull in your stomach.
Starting position: lying on your back, hands on your stomach. As you exhale, press on the anterior abdominal wall with your hands.
Take a deep breath, hold your breath. Exhale air in small bursts through pursed lips. At the same time, the cheeks should not puff up.
Take a deep breath, hold your breath. Then exhale in one sharp burst through your open mouth. At the end of the exhalation, fold your lips into a tube.
Take a deep breath, hold your breath. Extend your arms forward, then clench your fingers into a fist. Bring your arms to your shoulders, slowly spread them to the sides and return them to your shoulders again. Repeat 2-3 times, then exhale forcefully.

Forecast

Emphysema leads to irreversible changes in the structure of lung tissue. Possible development of right ventricular heart failure, myocardial dystrophy, edema lower limbs, ascites. Therefore, the prognosis directly depends on the timely start of therapy and strict implementation of all medical recommendations. In the absence of necessary therapeutic measures the disease progresses and leads to loss of ability to work, and subsequently to disability.

A feature of emphysema is its constant progression, even with treatment. But if all treatment measures are followed, it is possible to slow down the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life.

Prevention of emphysema

Basic preventative measure is anti-nicotine propaganda. Quitting smoking, which destroys the structure of the lungs, is the most effective method disease prevention. Let me remind you that staying in a smoky room, so-called passive smoking, is even more dangerous than the process of inhaling tobacco smoke itself.

Exercise active species sports (swimming, running, skiing, football), do breathing exercises, walk fresh air, visit the steam room. Walking in the forest and near salt ponds is very beneficial for lung health. The air, saturated with the aroma of pine needles and salt, opens the lungs and saturates the blood with oxygen. thyme, lemon balm, anise, buckwheat, coltsfoot, sweet clover, caraway seeds.

Mix dried and crushed mint, sage and thyme in equal proportions. 1 tbsp. spoon. Pour the mixture into a thermos and pour 1 glass of boiling water overnight. Drink 70 ml after breakfast, lunch and dinner.
1 tbsp. Pour a spoonful of dry coltsfoot leaves into 2 cups of boiling water and leave for an hour. Drink 1 tbsp. spoon 4-6 times a day.
Mix 1 part each of marshmallow and licorice roots, pine buds, sage leaves, and anise fruits. 1 tbsp. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over a spoonful of the mixture, leave for several hours and strain. Take a quarter glass with honey 3 times a day.
1 hour pour 500 ml of boiling water over a spoonful of dried and crushed wild rosemary and leave for 1 hour. Take 150 ml of warm infusion twice a day. Add 1 tbsp to a glass of warmed fat milk. spoon of carrot juice, drink on an empty stomach for three weeks.
Pour 0.5 liters of boiling water over buckwheat flowers and leave for 1 hour. Drink 0.5 cups 3-4 times a day with honey.
Chopped juniper, dandelion root, birch leaves are mixed in a ratio of 1:1:2. 1 tbsp. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over a spoonful of the mixture and leave for 1 hour. Drink 70 ml after meals 3 times a day.

Inhalations with a decoction of potato root vegetables “in their jacket” have an expectorant and relaxing effect on the bronchial muscles. The temperature of the liquid should not exceed 85°C to prevent burns to the mucous membrane. To carry out the procedure, take several potatoes, wash them, put them in a pan and cook until tender. Then remove the pan from the heat, place it on a stool, cover with a towel and breathe in the steam for 10 to 15 minutes.

Saturation of air with medicinal components essential oils marjoram, dill, eucalyptus, oregano, wormwood, thyme, sage, chamomile, cypress, cedar improves the condition of patients suffering from emphysema.

Use a special device for fine spraying (diffuser) or a regular aroma diffuser (5-8 drops of ether per 15 square meters of room). The same oils are used to rub the feet, palms, and chest. To do this, in 1 tbsp. a spoonful of jojoba oil, vegetable or olive, add 2-3 drops of ether or a mixture of several oils.

One of the most insidious diseases of the respiratory system is emphysema, the prognosis of life for which is determined by the causes, nature and course of the pathology.

This disease is a chronic disease in which the alveoli stop contracting normally. Often, the precursors of emphysema are diseases such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

The danger of the pathology lies in the fact that it can develop over a long period of time without significant manifestations, both in an elderly person and in a newborn.

What is emphysema?

Emphysema is classified as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It is characterized by damage to the alveoli located in the lung cavity and the endings of the bronchi involved in the breathing process. When you inhale, the alveoli fill and swell, and when you exhale, they return to their original position.

With pulmonary emphysema, this process is disrupted, the air pressure in the alveoli increases, and the bubble-like formations stretch.

When the alveoli stop taking part in the breathing process, the entire respiratory system begins to suffer. Due to impaired gas exchange, the amount of air in the lungs increases, which leads to improper functioning of the organ.

Here it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible to prevent the development of complications and improve your life prognosis

Types of emphysema

There are two types of emphysema:

Diffuse. Represents damage to the entire lung tissue. May be caused by allergic or obstructive bronchitis.
Localized. It is characterized by damage not to all the lungs, but to their individual sections. Often occurs against the background of congenital disorders.

There are also the following forms of pulmonary emphysema:

Causes of emphysema

The disease can develop for the following reasons:

Violation of microcirculation in pulmonary tissues;
The presence of an inflammatory process in the bronchi or alveoli;
Bronchial asthma and other chronic obstructive pulmonary pathologies;
Congenital α-1 antitrypsin deficiency, due to which alveolar tissue begins to be destroyed by proteolytic enzymes;
Smoking, including passive smoking;
Inhalation of toxic compounds into the lungs, for example, when working in industrial production.

These factors contribute to damage to the elastic tissue of the lungs, disruption of its ability to normally stretch and contract during breathing. With emphysema, small branches of the bronchi stick together, the lung tissue becomes stretched and swollen, and bullae or air cysts form. Emphysematous lungs are enlarged and resemble a porous sponge.

Signs of emphysema

Patients suffering from diffuse type emphysema experience the following symptoms:

Sharp weight loss;
Protrusion of the supraclavicular fossa;
Slouch;
The presence of weakened, and in some places even absent, breathing (detected when listening with a phonendoscope);
The appearance of shortness of breath during any physical activity;
Sticky lungs (if a patient has swelling of the lung, it is customary to say that “the lung is stuck together”);
Widened spaces between ribs;
Barrel-shaped chest;
Presence of air traps in the lungs.

In people with diffuse eczema, x-rays show a low-lying diaphragm and increased transparency of the lung area. Respiratory failure increases, the heart takes a more vertical position. In localized disease, affected areas put pressure on healthy parts of the lungs. The result is the development of pronounced disorders, including suffocation, and the life prognosis sharply worsens.

When can you expect a favorable outcome?

With pulmonary emphysema, the life prognosis depends on the form of pathology and the person’s lifestyle.

Factors that prolong life with the disease:

Timely diagnosis, early treatment;
Emphysema occurs in mild and moderate forms;
To give up smoking;
Following a special diet.

If emphysema is bullous, life expectancy is short. If a patient with this disease manages to live more than four years from the moment the diagnosis was made, the outcome is considered favorable.

When is an unfavorable outcome possible?

The process of change in lung tissue is irreversible and continuous. Ultimately, the disease affects the lungs completely. However, even in the most severe cases, patients with emphysema manage to live for more than a year.

To answer the question of how many people live with emphysema, you need to pay attention to the nature, course and causes of the disease. The most unfavorable outcome has primary pulmonary emphysema, which develops with congenital defects of the enzyme system.

Aggravating factors include cell damage from cigarette smoke, inhalation of industrial dust and toxic substances, especially if this occurs over several years and does not stop after diagnosis.

Early diagnosis of the disease and adequate therapy help delay death from emphysema. The situation is complicated by the fact that the disease does not manifest itself in any way for a long time, so its diagnosis occurs when there is significant damage to the lung tissue. The first signs of pathology (shortness of breath, cough) appear when the disease progresses.

Simply put, an unfavorable outcome is possible in the cases described below:

If emphysema is not treated in a timely manner;
In people with congenital enzyme defects;
In the presence of bad habits(smoking);
If the patient is under the influence of dust and toxic substances.

Life expectancy with emphysema

Some people ask the question, “What is mortality?” Mortality from emphysema or any other pathology is understood as the number of deaths caused by a given disease.

Data on life expectancy and mortality of patients with emphysema are obtained from medical statistics, but they are limited. However, doctors do not advise drawing conclusions based on this information. The fact is that the dynamics of the development of emphysema is individual for each patient.

Life expectancy depends on:

General physical condition sick;
Lifestyle;
Heredity;
Age;
The presence of other systemic diseases, such as bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis.

If a person has several factors from the above list, it is possible to give an accurate and correct forecast of life expectancy only after a detailed examination.

At the same time, it will not be possible to do without evaluation criteria. To make a diagnosis, the severity must be determined pathological process. To achieve this, attempts have been made to standardize the stages of the disease. To do this, tests are used that evaluate a set of indicators: body mass index, exercise tolerance, the presence of shortness of breath, as well as the volume of air exhaled over a specific period of time.

Symptoms	Primary emphysema	Secondary diffuse emphysema
Onset of the disease	Accompanied by shortness of breath	Accompanied by cough
Age	From 30 to 40 years	Over 40 years old
Signs of bronchitis	Moderate or absent	Expressed
Pulmonary hypertension	Late or missing	Early
Tolerance to physical load	Greatly reduced	Decreased in later stages of the disease
Lung compliance	Enlarged	Reduced
Lung morphological changes	Emphysema panacinar	Centracinar emphysema, severe bronchitis
Arterial hypoxemia, hypercapnia	Observed during physical load	Present, with physical load increases
Diffusion capacity of the lungs	Greatly reduced	Normal or slightly reduced
Weight	Normal or reduced	Normal or increased

After passing the test and receiving the result, the stage of emphysema is correlated with one of the following forms of the disease:

Very heavy;
Heavy;
Moderate;
Easy.

The more severe the pathology, the worse the life prognosis.

If a relatively favorable diagnosis is considered to be a life expectancy of more than 4 years from the date of diagnosis, the averaged and generalized conclusions look like this:

At mild form More than 80% of patients manage to survive the disease for more than 4 years;
With moderate – up to 70%;
For severe cases – up to 50%.

Treatment of emphysema

If you are wondering how to treat emphysema, it will be useful for you to know that the pathology can be treated by giving up bad habits, following a special diet, oxygen therapy, massage and exercise therapy. Inhalations are also possible. The main thing in this case is to choose the right inhaler (this issue should be discussed with your doctor).

Also practiced drug treatment emphysema. The specialist’s task is to conduct a thorough examination and select drugs that will help eliminate the symptoms of the disease.

When answering the question “How is emphysema treated?”, do not forget about the possibility of using folk remedies. Self-medication should not be practiced. Before taking any medications, you should consult with a pulmonologist and therapist.

Complications of emphysema

In both adults and children, emphysema can lead to negative consequences as:

Pulmonary hypertension;
Failure ;
Oncology (cancer);
Cardiac right ventricular failure and its consequences, such as hepatomegaly, edema of the lower extremities, ascites.

Most dangerous complication spontaneous pneumothorax is considered, requiring drainage of the pleural cavity and aspiration of air.

Improving life prognosis with emphysema

To stop the development of the disease and stabilize a person’s condition, you should:

Balance your diet (include more vegetables, boiled fish and meat, reduce salt intake);
Give up bad habits such as alcohol abuse and smoking (tobacco smoke is the main destructive factor that destroys the lungs);
Take daily walks in the fresh air;
Avoid hypothermia, cold air and respiratory infections;
Train the respiratory muscles 4 to 5 times a day for 15 minutes. (there is special gymnastics for this).

Emphysema is a chronic disease and is progressive. Prolonged inflammation and narrowing of the lumen respiratory tract leads to a decrease in the elasticity of lung tissue. As for the prognosis of life with the disease, it depends on the form of the disease, the severity of its course and some other factors.

The causes of pulmonary emphysema are conventionally divided into two groups.

I. Pathological microcirculation, congenital deficiency of α-antitrypsin, changes in the properties of surfactant, harmful substances in the air (nitrogen oxides, cadmium compounds, dust, tobacco smoke, etc.). These factors contribute to the disruption of the strength and elasticity of the lung structure. Primary diffuse emphysema develops. Pathological restructuring of the entire respiratory part of the lung occurs. During exhalation, when intrathoracic pressure increases, the small bronchi passively collapse, bronchial resistance increases, and, consequently, pressure in the alveoli increases. This occurs as a consequence of weakening of the elastic properties of the lungs due to diffuse emphysema, because the small bronchi initially do not have a cartilaginous frame.

But bronchial patency in primary emphysema is still not impaired. All alveoli of the lung acini are affected evenly. Panacinar emphysema develops, atrophy of the interalveolar septa and reduction of the capillary bed occur. However, the bronchi and bronchioles are not subject to obstruction, because there are no inflammatory changes.

Gymnastics for emphysema

One of the mandatory components of palliative therapy for emphysema is physiotherapy. The purpose of its purpose is proper breathing with maximum involvement of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles in the process.

The set of exercises is selected in such a way as to increase the strength of the chest muscles, increase the mobility of the ribs, teach the patient to inhale, during which the diaphragm works maximally, and elongate the exhalation, which helps reduce the content of residual air in the lungs.

Therapeutic walking is recommended for short distances (from 200 to 800 meters, depending on the condition) at a slow or moderate pace with an extended exhalation, and after the condition improves, climbing stairs no higher than the third floor with breathing control.

Straining, sudden movements, inhaling large volumes of air, holding your breath, fast-paced or intense exercises should be avoided. At the initial stages, gymnastics is carried out in a lying and sitting position; with the expansion of the regime, standing exercises are introduced.

A properly selected set of exercises has an effect by improving blood circulation and active work of the remaining alveoli.

Bullous emphysema

Bullous pulmonary emphysema (e. pulmonum bullosum) is considered by many doctors and researchers as a process of dysplastic tissue development, as well as a manifestation of genetic and hereditary abnormalities. The etiology and pathogenesis of bullous emphysema has not yet been fully elucidated.

Bullous emphysema is characterized by the formation of so-called bullae - air bubbles different sizes, concentrated mainly in the marginal parts of the lungs. Bullae can be multiple or single, local or widespread, their size varies from 1 to 10 cm.

Bullous emphysema is characterized by the early development of respiratory failure, which develops not only as a result of the emphysema itself, but due to compression of the surrounding healthy tissue by the bullae. The functionality of the area with the bullae and those located next to them (with morphologically unchanged tissue) is sharply impaired.

Recently, for the treatment of bullous emphysema (especially with giant or widespread bullae), a surgical technique has been used in which bullous tissue is removed. This allows you to improve the condition and functionality of healthy tissues and reduce the severity of the process. TO complete cure such a method, of course, does not provide results, and little experience in its use, lack of assessment of long-term consequences and fragmented data on mortality prevent the widespread implementation of this operation.

Diffuse emphysema

Primary diffuse pulmonary emphysema (e. pulmonum secundarium diffusum) is considered as an independent nosological unit, which includes various options course of the disease. To this day, the causes of diffuse emphysema have not been fully elucidated, but the connection between chronic obstructive bronchial diseases and the subsequent development of emphysema has been firmly established. Secondary diffuse emphysema is often a consequence of bronchitis, chronic bronchial obstruction, and pneumosclerosis.

Pathogenetically, diffuse emphysema is manifested by functional and mechanical disorders of the lung tissue, which lead to the development of secondary bronchial obstruction, chronic increase in intrathoracic pressure, collapse of the bronchial lumen, and pneumosclerosis. These disorders are diffuse in nature, although in some cases the affected area may be small.

It is against the background of changes in emphysema that its symptoms develop: an increase in chest volume, a decrease in the frequency and depth of breathing; bulging of the intercostal spaces and horizontal arrangement of the ribs; panting as a way to compensate for low pressure in the bronchi; percussion boxed sound due to increased air content of the lungs and decreased tissue elasticity.

Complications

The variety of forms of pulmonary emphysema contributes to a large number of possible complications. Most of them are typical for all forms of emphysema, but there is a difference in the speed and intensity of their manifestations.

For the same reason, it is impossible to definitely make a forecast about the timing of the onset of disability and fatal outcome: the intensity of the processes, the degree of their prevalence, and the individual characteristics of the patient’s body can influence (and in different directions).

The most common complications of emphysema are:

respiratory failure;
heart failure;
a complex of symptoms accompanying right ventricular failure;
spontaneous pneumothorax;
the addition of an infection, its transition to chronic forms that are difficult to treat.

Treatment with traditional methods

Like allopathic medicine, traditional treatments for emphysema offer supportive care. This is the use of herbs that have a bronchodilator effect, promote better mucus discharge, improve the trophism of the lung tissue, and relieve the appearance of inflammation. As aid folk and herbal remedies, supporting activity immune system that help prevent infections.

Potato tops, buckwheat, lemon balm and mint, elecampane roots, thyme, and sage are used. From expectorants ethnoscience recommends the use of eucalyptus leaves, licorice roots, anise, marshmallow root, and horsetail herb. Herbs can be used individually or in the form of collections, by preparing decoctions and infusions from them.

It should be remembered that treatment traditional methods is auxiliary and requires consistency and careful adherence to recommendations.

Photos of emphysema

In medical histories you can find interesting x-rays, clearly demonstrating the pathological picture of pulmonary emphysema. Bullae are clearly visible in the bullous form - in the form of light round cavities. Depletion of the vascular pattern, flattening of the diaphragm, transparent lung fields are typical for diffuse forms of emphysema.

Pulmonary emphysema is serious illness respiratory apparatus, characterized by the accumulation of air in the lungs and disruption of their functions. The pathological process leads to oxygen starvation of the entire body, and at the time of exacerbation it is important to seek help as soon as possible medical assistance. A characteristic symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath, which makes it difficult to take each subsequent breath.

Description of the disease

Emphysema is a pathology characterized chronic course, whose name comes from the Greek word emphysao. Translated, it means “inflating.” As the disease develops, the chest expands due to an increase in the size of the lungs due to air accumulated inside. As a result, gas exchange in the respiratory system is disrupted. The process is accompanied by destruction of the alveolar septum. In addition to the lungs, the bronchial branches expand and stretch. With emphysema, the entire body suffers, in particular the respiratory, circulatory and muscular systems: they become thinner vascular walls, smooth muscles are stretched, capillaries are empty, and tissues do not receive enough nutrition.

The air that accumulates in the alveolar lumen does not contain oxygen, but gas masses with a high concentration of carbon dioxide. At the same time, patients feel a sharp lack of oxygen. The resulting expansions put pressure on healthy areas of tissue, as a result of which ventilation of the lungs is impaired, which is accompanied by shortness of breath and other signs of emphysema.

High blood pressure inside the lungs causes compression of the arteries of the organ. The right part of the heart muscle is subjected to severe stress, which leads to its restructuring and the development of chronic pulmonary heart disease.

Against the background of pulmonary emphysema, oxygen starvation and respiratory failure develop.

The course of the disease is characterized by a violation of the exit of air from the alveoli and the entry of air into them with a predominance of failure of the first function. The air accumulated in the lungs cannot come out in full. At an advanced stage, the lungs become greatly inflated, since inside their cavities there are air masses with a large percentage of carbon dioxide. The functions of the organs are disrupted, and ultimately they cease to participate in the respiratory process.

Causes of emphysema

The occurrence of pulmonary emphysema is due to various reasons. The disease can develop as a result of disruption of the structure of the lung tissue and loss of elastic qualities. This can happen due to:

availability birth defects leading to collapse of bronchioles and increased pressure in the alveoli;
hormonal imbalance between androgens and estrogens, as a result of which the bronchioles are stretched and voids are formed in the pulmonary parenchyma;
poor ecology and constant impact on the body harmful substances which may be related to professional activities. These may include toxins, chemical compounds and impurities, tobacco smoke, dust, factory emissions and exhaust gas. Particles that enter the body during breathing settle on the bronchiole walls and infect pulmonary arteries and epithelial cells of the organ. As a result, alveolar macrophages are activated, the production of proteolytic enzymes increases and neutrophils increase. All this leads to the destruction of the alveolar walls;
congenital pathology caused by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Instead of getting rid of bacteria, enzymes destroy the alveoli. The normal function of antitrypsin is to neutralize these manifestations;
circulatory disorders and loss of the ability of lung tissue to regenerate and recover as a result age-related changes;
infectious diseases of the respiratory system, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, etc. In the process of illness, the protein of the alveoli dissolves, and sputum secretions prevent air from leaving them. As a result, the tissues stretch and lose elasticity, and the alveolar sacs become overfilled.

Acute pulmonary emphysema can develop when pulmonary pressure increases. The causes of the pathology are as follows:

chronic form of obstructive bronchitis;
blockage of the bronchial lumen by a foreign object.

Symptoms

The development of pulmonary emphysema is accompanied by a number of characteristic signs that appear quite clearly. One of the pronounced symptoms of the disease is paleness of the skin: the nail plates, ears and even the tip of the nose acquire a bluish tint. IN medical terminology These manifestations are called cyanosis, the cause of which is oxygen starvation of the body, accompanied by bleeding of small capillaries.

Pulmonary emphysema almost always accompanies expiratory dyspnea, in which the patient experiences difficulty in inhaling. And if at the beginning of the disease breathing difficulty is mild, then as it progresses it tends to increase. In this case, short inhalations are noted, and the exhalation time is increased due to mucus accumulated in the lungs.

In patients with emphysema, there is a need for additional tension in the abdominal muscles when lowering and raising the diaphragm. As a result of increased thoracic pressure, they experience enlarged neck veins during exhalation and coughing. In cases where the disease is complicated by heart failure, the veins also enlarge during inhalation. Cough with emphysema is almost always accompanied by pinkness of the face. In this case, sputum is released from patients in non- large quantities.

A characteristic feature of this disease is a sharp decline weight, which is caused by intense tension of the muscle group responsible for the respiratory process. With a long course of the disease, patients experience an enlarged liver due to blood stagnation and a decrease in the level of the diaphragm.

Among external signs when the process becomes chronic, one can distinguish: sagging abdomen, the appearance of a meek neck, protrusion of the supraclavicular fossa and chest. In this case, the intercostal spaces are retracted during inhalations.

Classification

Pulmonary emphysema is classified depending on the nature of the course, etiology, degree of prevalence and characteristics anatomical structure respiratory system.

There are acute and chronic forms of the disease. Acute pulmonary emphysema can occur with increased physical activity, against the background of bronchial asthma, or if it enters the bronchi foreign body. Her characteristic features- inflation of the lungs and stretching of the alveoli. This disease is treatable if emergency measures are taken.

The transition of the disease to a chronic form occurs gradually and in the absence of proper treatment at an early stage. In most cases, the process ends with the patient's disability.

Depending on the origin, primary and secondary emphysema are distinguished. The primary form of the disease is due to a congenital predisposition. Pathology is a disease with an independent course, which can affect people at any age. Infants are no exception. A feature of primary emphysema is its rapid development.

Secondary emphysema develops against the background of obstructive pulmonary pathologies chronic form. For some time the disease is asymptomatic. As it develops, the signs of the disease become more pronounced. And if you don't resort to timely treatment, then this can lead to chronicity of the process.

Based on their prevalence, emphysema is classified into diffuse and focal emphysema. The first form is characterized by damage to large areas of lung tissue or the entire organ. The process is accompanied by total destruction of the alveoli. A severe form of the disease often ends in the death of the patient. The only way out of the situation is donor organ transplantation.

The focal form of emphysema develops against the background of pulmonary tuberculosis. Parenchinal changes are observed in the area of inflammatory foci, at the site of scarring and blockage of the bronchi. Symptoms of the disease are mild.

Depending on the anatomical features, pulmonary emphysema is divided into:

Vesicular, the signs of which are respiratory failure and lack of inflammation. The disease is severe.
Centrilobular. Distinctive feature The disease is damage to the alveoli of the central lobe of the lung and an increase in the size of the entire organ. The disease is characterized by an active inflammatory process, accompanied by copious mucus secretion. The affected walls of the acini are replaced fibrous tissue, and areas of undamaged parenchyma continue to function.
Paraseptal, developing with an active form of tuberculosis and characterized by damage to the extreme pulmonary sections located next to the pleura. A complication of this form of the disease is pneumothorax - rupture of the affected part of the organ.
Okolorubtsovaya, in which pathological changes observed near scars and fibrous pulmonary lesions. It is characterized by a sluggish course and the manifestation of mild symptoms.
Bullous. This form of emphysema is characterized by a violation of the structure of the lungs, accompanied by destruction of the interalveolar septa. With bullous disease, bullae are formed on the surface of organs or throughout the parenchyma, including the area near the pleura, vesicles whose diameter can reach 20 cm. Patients experience all the symptoms of pulmonary emphysema, including respiratory failure.
Interstitial, in which ruptures of the alveolar walls occur and the formation of blisters under the skin. They can be transported to the neck and head through the lymphatic tract. In this case, some of the bubbles remain in the lungs. This form is dangerous due to the sudden occurrence of pneumothorax.
Senile, which developed as a result of age-related changes in the pulmonary structure.
Lobar, developing in newborns with bronchial obstruction.

This classification of pulmonary emphysema is the most complete.

Diagnostics

Pulmonary emphysema requires high-quality diagnosis, the first stage of which is to collect an anamnesis. A detailed survey of the patient is carried out, taking into account all his complaints, during which all important points. During the examination, the periscussion method is used - tapping the chest through the palm in order to determine the degree of mobility of the lungs, the presence of airiness in the organs and confirm the likelihood of drooping of their lower edges. Listening with a fundescope is mandatory, through which the breathing pattern is determined and the heart rhythm is assessed.

If the suspicion of emphysema is confirmed, the patient is prescribed additional studies using instrumental and laboratory methods, such as:

X-ray. It is expected to obtain an image of the lungs in a direct projection. The presence of pathology and the degree of spread of the process are determined by the pulmonary fields.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lungs, which is performed to obtain information about the condition of the bronchi and lung tissue and identify pathological foci.
Computed tomography (CT) with the introduction of a contrast agent. Allows you to visualize a layered image of the affected organ, on which you can see its structure in a computer version.
Scintigraphy. The study is carried out using a rotating camera around the patient after insertion into the patient’s lungs radioactive isotopes. With its help, it is possible to obtain information about the condition of blood vessels, evaluate the surgical field and exclude the presence of cancerous tumors.
Spirometry. It is carried out to determine the volume of breathing by recording the air during inhalation and exhalation.
Piclometry. With help this method The highest expiratory flow rate is determined to identify bronchial obstruction.

The patient is prescribed blood tests to assess the main indicators and determine its gas composition.

Treatment

Emphysema is a reversible process only when initial stage of its development. Treatment of the disease involves eliminating causative factor, limitation physical activity, smoking cessation, lifestyle and nutrition adjustments. It is possible to speed up the healing process in this situation with the help of breathing exercises and traditional treatment.

In the future, when disorders associated with emphysema lead to structural and functional disorders in the lungs, the reverse development of which is impossible, it is advisable to carry out symptomatic treatment.

In this case, drug therapy will be aimed at improving the patient’s quality of life, preventing further progression of the disease, preventing complications such as heart failure, acute respiratory infections etc. Measures such as giving up bad habits and minimizing other influences should be taken.

Used in the treatment of emphysema the following groups drugs:

Antitrypsin and phosphodiesterase inhibitors (bronchodilators). Prescribed to prevent destruction connective tissue in the lungs, relaxing the muscles of the bronchi, increasing their lumen and eliminating swelling of the respiratory mucosa. Prolastin and Teopek are used in the treatment of emphysema.
Antioxidants. Act as a regulator of protein and elastic tissue synthesis in the lungs, inhibit the destruction of alveoli and improve metabolic processes. Most often, patients are prescribed vitamin E.
Anticholinergic drugs. These are antispasmodics for the bronchi, with the help of which breathing is restored.
Glucocorticosteroids. Relieves inflammation and dilates the bronchi. In this case, patients are given prednisolone.
Theophyllines. Reduce symptoms pulmonary hypertension, stimulate urination and are used as bronchodilators.
Antitussives with expectorant effect. Mucolytics thin mucus, improve its removal from the bronchi, help neutralize toxins, reduce cough, and prevent the development of bacterial infection. The most popular medications are ACC and Lazolvan.

If emphysema becomes complicated infectious diseases, antibiotics are prescribed.

In addition to conservative treatment To improve the condition of patients, the following activities are carried out:

electrical stimulation with pulsed currents;
oxygen inhalations;
breathing exercises.

With their help, you can get rid of critical conditions, make breathing easier, improve blood circulation and oxygenation of the respiratory muscles.

Traditional treatment

In addition to drug therapy, with emphysealFolk remedies are actively used in the lungs. There is a large number effective medicines, made on the basis of natural ingredients, with which you can improve general state patient and relieve anxiety symptoms.

It is advisable to consider some recipes in more detail:

Garlic infusion. To prepare it, take 10 medium-sized heads of garlic, 1 kg of natural bee honey and 10 lemons. The garlic is cut into slices and the juice is squeezed out of the lemons. The ingredients are mixed and transferred to glass jar. The medicine must be placed in a dark place for 10 days. Take 2 tbsp daily. l.
Juice from potato tops. Juice is squeezed out of green tops. On the first day, the dose should be 1/2 tsp. On the second day it must be increased fourfold, and so every day. After 10 days daily norm should be half a glass.
Herbal infusion. It is prepared as follows: spring adonis, fennel fruits, caraway seeds and horsetail are taken in equal parts. You can take twice as much horsetail. Pour a tablespoon of the mixture into a glass of boiling water, cover with a lid and leave to steep until it cools completely. Take 1/3 cup three times a day for a three-month course of treatment.
Decoction. Using this remedy you can get rid of shortness of breath. Prepare like this: take 1 tbsp. l. potato color and pour 250 ml. boiling water Infuse for 2 hours, strain. It is recommended to take the medicine three times a day, half an hour before meals, half a glass. The course of treatment is one month.

Diet

The organization of therapeutic nutrition is of no small importance in case of pulmonary emphysema. IN in this case A special diet is provided aimed at strengthening the immune system and cleansing the body.

Meals must be split and eaten at least six times a day. Products must be high in calories and contain sufficient amounts of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. The daily calorie content should be at least 3500 kcal.

Patients are allowed to consume butter and vegetable oil, milk, fermented milk products, meat, fish, eggs. Seafood, sausages and liver are not excluded.

You should definitely include porridge in your diet, White bread, bran, honey, pasta, as well as fresh vegetables and fruits. You can drink juices, compotes and jelly.

It is necessary to exclude fried and spicy foods, confectionery, alcoholic drinks and coffee. Limit salt intake.

Disease prognosis

It should be borne in mind that emphysema is an incurable disease, from which it is completely impossible to get rid of it. The prognosis directly depends on the duration of the pathological process, the timeliness of treatment, the degree of obstructive changes in the lungs and the nature of the disease.

If the disease that caused pulmonary emphysema progresses steadily, then the prognosis can be considered favorable. To minimize the manifestations of respiratory failure, it is necessary to follow all medical recommendations, carry out treatment on time and adhere to the right image life. Such patients can live quite a long time. According to statistics, the mortality rate for pulmonary emphysema is 2.5% of the total number of patients.

In case of decompensated bronchial diseases accompanied by emphysema, the prognosis is unfavorable in any case. Such people are indicated for continuous maintenance therapy, in which improvement in condition is extremely rare. Their lifespan depends on individual characteristics the body and its compensatory abilities.

The topic of today's article is emphysema. You will learn what it is, as well as how to treat it with medications and folk remedies. Let's look at all the symptoms and causes. We will also talk about life prognosis, gymnastics, diagnosis and prevention of the disease. Reviews are also possible.

What is pulmonary emphysema?

is a disease that is a violation of lung ventilation and blood circulation. It lasts quite a long time. Very often a person with such a disease becomes disabled.

Signs of emphysema:

chest expansion
shortness of breath
expansion of intercostal spaces

ICD 10 code- J43.9.

Men are more susceptible to this disease. People over 60 years of age are also at risk. The risk of this problem also increases in those who have chronic obstructive diseases of the pulmonary system.

This disease is also dangerous due to complications that can lead to disability and death.

Classification of the disease

The classification of pulmonary emphysema is divided into several large sections.

By origin:

Primary - due to congenital abnormalities in the body. This type is very difficult to treat. It appears even in newborns.
Secondary is a milder form of the disease. It may occur unnoticed by the patient himself. However, advanced stages can greatly impact a person’s ability to work. Occurs due to chronic lung diseases.

According to the nature of the flow:

Acute - a very rapid change in the lungs as a result of extreme physical exertion or asthma.
Chronic - changes do not appear so quickly.

Due to the occurrence:

Laboratory - appears in newborns due to obstruction of one of the bronchi.
Senile - due to age-related changes in blood vessels and impaired elasticity of the walls of the alveoli.

By prevalence:

Focal - changes in the parenchyma appear around foci of tuberculosis, the site of bronchial blockage, scars.
Diffuse - tissue damage and destruction of the alveoli occurs throughout the lung tissue.

According to anatomical features and relation to the acinus:

Bullous (bubbly) - large or small blisters appear where damaged alveoli are located. The blisters themselves can burst and become infected. Also, due to their large volume, neighboring tissues are subject to compression.
Centrilobular - the center of the acinus is damaged. A lot of mucus is released. Inflammation also appears due to the large lumen of the alveoli and bronchi.
Panacinar (hypertrophic, vesicular) is a severe form of emphysema. Inflammation does not appear. However, there is significant respiratory distress.
Interstitial (subcutaneous emphysema) - air bubbles appear due to rupture of the alveoli under the skin. Through the gaps between the tissues and the lymphatic pathways, these bubbles move under the skin of the neck and head.
Peri-scar - occurs near fibrous foci and scars in the lung. The disease occurs with minor symptoms.
Periacinar (distal, perilobular, parasepital) - occurs with tuberculosis. The extreme parts of the acinus near the pleura are affected.

Bullous emphysema

Bullous emphysema is a serious disorder of the structure of the lung tissue with subsequent destruction of the interalveolar septa. In this case, a huge air cavity appears.

Bullous emphysema

This form of the disease occurs due to purulent and inflammatory processes in the lungs.

With single bullae (blisters), the disease is very difficult to diagnose. It cannot be seen even with a regular x-ray. It is detected only when there are a large number of bullae throughout the lung tissue.

The greatest danger of bullous emphysema is that there is big risk bursting bubbles. As a rule, it occurs due to severe cough or during heavy physical exertion.

When the bulla ruptures, air from the lungs enters pleural cavity. Thus, pneumothorax occurs. The accumulated air creates a lot of pressure on the lung.

If there is a large defect in the lung tissue, the lung will not be able to close. As a result, there is a continuous flow of air into the pleural cavity.

At the most critical level, air begins to enter the subcutaneous tissue and mediastinum. As a result, respiratory failure and cardiac arrest may occur.

Causes

There are many causes of pulmonary emphysema. However, they can all be divided into two main types.

First type, includes what leads to impaired elasticity and strength of lung tissue. The main one from this category will be a violation of the system responsible for the formation of enzymes. In this case, the properties of the surfactant change and a lack of A1-antitrypsin appears in the body.

The presence of gaseous gases significantly affects the body toxic substances in the inhaled air. Frequent incidence of infectious diseases reduces the ability of the lungs to protect. Therefore, they are more quickly exposed to harmful effects.

Smoking is main reason, which can cause emphysema. Plumes of tobacco smoke in the lungs accumulate inflamed cells, from which substances are released that can destroy the partitions connecting the cells.

People who smoke are more vulnerable to the manifestation of this disease; emphysema in smokers has more complex forms.

Co. second type include factors that can cause an increase in pressure in the alveoli of the lungs. These include previous pulmonary diseases. For example, chronic obstructive bronchitis or bronchial asthma.

Since emphysema has two types, it can be primary or secondary.
All factors lead to the fact that the elastic tissue of the lungs is damaged and loses the ability to fill the lungs with air and release it.

The lungs become overfilled with air, causing the small bronchi to stick together when exhaling. Pulmonary ventilation is also impaired.

With emphysema, the lungs increase in size and take on the appearance of a large-pored sponge. If you examine emphysematous lung tissue using a microscope, you can observe the destruction of the alveolar septa.

Let's talk about the symptoms of emphysema. It is worth saying right away that this disease often has hidden initial forms. Therefore, a person may not even suspect that he is sick.

The presence of symptoms appears already at the stage of severe lung damage.

Usually, the appearance of shortness of breath observed at the age of 50-60 years. Initially, this symptom is noticed during physical work. And later it manifests itself even in a calm state.

During an attack of shortness of breath skin faces become pinkish. Most often, the patient takes a sitting position and leans slightly forward. Constantly holding onto something in front of him.

Emphysema makes breathing difficult. When exhaling, various sounds are heard, since this process is very difficult for the patient.

Inhalation occurs without difficulty.

However, it is difficult to exhale. Therefore, it is often observed that the lips are folded into a tube to facilitate the exhalation process.

Since the appearance at moments of shortness of breath is characteristic, such patients are called “pink puffers.”

After the onset of symptoms of shortness of breath, after a certain time it is observed presence of cough which is not too long.

A clear sign that will indicate pulmonary emphysema will be significant weight loss. Indeed, in this case, the muscles become very tired, working exhaustingly to facilitate exhalation. If body weight has decreased, then this is an unfavorable sign of the course of the disease.

Patients also have expanded chest , having the shape of a cylinder. She seemed to freeze while inhaling. Its figurative name is barrel-shaped.

If you pay attention to the area above the collarbones, you will notice expansion here, and the spaces between the ribs seem to sink.

When examining the skin, a bluish tint is noted, and the fingers take on a shape resembling Drumsticks. Such existing external changes are typical in the presence of prolonged oxygen starvation.

Diagnosis of the disease

Respiratory function tests are of great importance in diagnosing pulmonary emphysema. To assess how narrowed the bronchi are, it is used peak flowmetry.

Peak flowmetry in the diagnosis of pulmonary emphysema

The patient should be at rest, inhale twice and exhale into the peak flow meter. He will record the degree of narrowing.

Obtaining this data will allow us to determine whether a person actually suffers from emphysema or he has bronchial asthma or bronchitis.

Spirometry determine how much the tidal volume of the lungs changes. This helps in identifying inadequate breathing.

Carrying out additional tests that use bronchodilators, makes it possible to say what kind of disease is present in the lungs. In addition, the effectiveness of treatment can be assessed.

At x-ray, it is possible to identify the presence of dilated cavities that are located in different pulmonary sections. You can also determine increased lung capacity. After all, in this case the dome of the diaphragm moves, and it becomes denser.

Carrying out computed tomography will make it possible to diagnose the presence of cavities in the lungs, which will also be more airy.

Now let's look at the main methods of treating pulmonary emphysema. It is worth saying that all treatment procedures should be aimed at facilitating the respiratory process. In addition, it is necessary to eliminate the disease whose action led to the development of this problem.

Surgical treatment of emphysema

Treatment procedures are mainly carried out on an outpatient basis. But there should be an opportunity to be observed by doctors such as pulmonologist or therapist.

Lifelong use of bronchodilators, in the form of inhalations or tablets, is recommended. If there is cardiac and respiratory failure, then oxygen therapy is carried out, after which diuretics are taken. Breathing exercises are also recommended.

If a person is diagnosed with an infection, he is hospitalized in the hospital. He may also be hospitalized if respiratory failure is severe or if any surgical complications arise.

Emphysema can also be treated surgically.

An operation is performed in which the volume of the lungs is reduced. The technique involves eliminating damaged areas of lung tissue, which leads to a decrease in pressure on the remaining part. After this procedure, the patient's condition improves significantly.

Emphysema - treatment with folk remedies

If you have emphysema, you should not miss out on treatment with folk remedies.

Treatment of emphysema with folk remedies

Here are some methods:

Phytotherapy. Some plants have expectorant and bronchodilator properties. For emphysema, they are used to prepare infusions and decoctions, which are later taken orally. Such plants include: licorice, caraway, fennel, thyme, lemon balm, eucalyptus, anise, sage and many others.
Potato. Carrying out hot inhalations over boiled potatoes helps cough up and relaxes the bronchial muscles.
Aromatherapy. The air is saturated with the help of medicinal components of essential oils of dill, oregano, wormwood, chamomile, thyme, sage and others. For spraying, you can use a diffuser or aroma maker (5 - 8 drops of ether per 15 square meters of room). This helps in improving the patient's condition. You can also apply a few drops of these oils to your feet, palms and chest. In 1 tbsp. l. Add 2-3 drops of vegetable oil or a mixture of several drops.

If a person has emphysema, he should periodically visit a pulmonologist. Folk remedies are used only as an adjunct to basic treatment methods. You should not use only them, as they will not bring the desired effect.

Use of oxygen therapy

To improve gas exchange at the very beginning of the disease, oxygen therapy is prescribed. During this technique, the patient inhales air with a reduced amount of oxygen for 5 minutes.

Oxygen therapy

Treatment is carried out once every day. The course is 15-20 days.

If this method is not possible, then a nasal catheter is inserted into the patient. It is through this that oxygen is supplied to alleviate the patient’s condition.

Breathing exercises for emphysema

Good breathing exercises also help a lot with emphysema.

Breathing exercises for emphysema

Here are some exercises:

You should inhale and hold your breath. Next, exhale sharply using the mouth opening. At the very end of exhalation, change the position of the lips to a tube.
Also hold your breath. Next, exhale using small bursts, folding your lips in the form of a tube.
Breathe in and don't exhale. Extending your arms and clenching your fingers into fists, move them to your shoulders, then stretch them to the sides and lower them back to your shoulders. Thus, do this a couple of times, and then exhale strongly.
Inhale for 12 seconds, hold your breath for 48 seconds. and exhale for 24 s. Repeat this three times.

Drug treatment

If there is an exacerbation of the inflammation process, then drugs with an antibacterial effect may be prescribed.

Treatment of bronchial asthma or bronchitis occurs with drugs that dilate the bronchi. To facilitate the removal of mucus, mucolytic drugs should be taken.

Diet for emphysema

The diet for pulmonary emphysema should be balanced. It should contain many vitamin components and microelements. The diet must necessarily consist of vegetable and fruit dishes. In addition, these products should be consumed raw.

Also, the main rule is to avoid nicotine. It's better to quit smoking right away. That is, do not stretch it out for a long cessation. In addition, you should not be in a room where other people smoke.

Application of massage

The use of classical, segmental and acupressure techniques leads to the fact that the sputum leaves faster and the bronchi expand.

In this case, preference is often given to acupressure massage, since it is more effective.

Therapeutic exercises for emphysema

Pulmonary emphysema is accompanied by the muscles always being in tension, which leads to their fatigue. To prevent muscles from becoming overstrained, you should do therapeutic exercises.

Here are some exercises:

For example, exercises that create positive pressure as you exhale. To do this, take a tube. One end of it is placed in water. The second person takes it into his mouth and slowly exhales through it. An obstacle in the form of water puts pressure on the exhaled air.
To train your diaphragm, you need to stand up and take a deep breath. As you exhale, point your arms forward and bend. When exhaling, the stomach should be pulled up.
Another task: lie on the floor, put your hands on your stomach. When exhaling, press on the peritoneum.

Complications of the disease

This disease sometimes leads to various complications. Among them:

Infectious complications. Pneumonia often develops, and lung abscesses occur.
Inadequate breathing. Because there is a disruption in the exchange process between oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs.
Heart failure. In severe cases of the disease, an increase in pulmonary pressure is observed. In this regard, there is an increase in the right ventricle and atrium. All parts of the heart gradually change. Therefore, there is a disruption in the blood supply to the heart.
Surgical complications. If the cavity, which is located near a large bronchus, ruptures, then air can enter it. Pneumothorax forms. If the septum between the alveoli is damaged, bleeding will occur.

Emphysema - life prognosis

What is the prognosis for life with emphysema? It is impossible to say exactly how long they live. It all depends on the nature of the disease and its treatment.

However, it should be said right away that it is impossible to completely recover from this disease. The peculiarity of the disease is its constant progression. Even if treatment is being carried out.

If you seek help from a medical facility in time and follow all procedures, the disease will be slightly slowed down. The condition improves, and disability is postponed.

If emphysema developed because there was a defect in the congenital enzyme system, then no one can give a positive prognosis.

Favorable outcome factors:

Detection of the disease at an early stage
The disease passes in a moderate form
The patient strictly follows the diet prescribed by doctors
Complete smoking cessation

Prevention of emphysema

To prevent emphysema, you should do the following:

Stop consuming tobacco products.
Treat in a timely manner pulmonary diseases to prevent the development of the disease.
Maintaining healthy image helps in life to improve the condition and maintain the body in healthy shape. Playing sports, performing breathing exercises, walking in the fresh air, visiting the bathhouse - all this contributes to the normal functioning of the bronchi and lungs.
In order for your lungs to be healthy, you need to be in the forest more often, inhaling the healing aromas of pine needles. Sea air is also beneficial. Such places help open the lungs and saturate the blood with oxygen.
Watch your diet. It must contain fresh fruits. There should also be foods with a high amount of vitamin elements and nutrients.

Conclusion

And with this we finish talking about pulmonary emphysema. Now you know what it is and how to treat it. We looked at the main symptoms and causes. We also touched a little on the life prognosis of this disease. In the future, there may be reviews on this disease below.