Emphysema and Smoking

Emphysema is a disease in which the framework of the lungs is destroyed, usually by cigarette smoke, and their normal function is impaired. It is a chronic disease and is in the same category as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. While not every smoker will get the disease, emphysema and smoking are closely linked.

Smokers with emphysema have many challenges that make doing everyday tasks difficult. Here are some things that patients with emphysema may experience during the course of treatment:

• Difficulty Breathing – This is first experienced upon exertion, but as the disease progresses patients may have difficulty breathing even when at rest.
• Trouble Walking - Because the body requires oxygen to move, walking or other forms of exercise may be difficult.
• An Inability to Tolerate Strong Odors – Perfumes, cleaners and other strong odors may overwhelm some patients.
• A Need for Inhalers, Steroid Medications and Oxygen Therapy – Inhalers and steroid medications are what most doctors prescribe first for those with this disease. Most patients with emphysema will require some form of oxygen as the disease progresses
• A Lung Transplant – The only cure for emphysema is a lung transplant. This is reserved for patients who have met certain criteria and who do not currently smoke.

The most important thing to do if you have emphysema is to quit smoking. If you have emphysema and are trying to quit smoking to improve your quality of life, contact your doctor. He or she can help you develop a quit plan that addresses the emotional, physical and social reasons you smoke.

Resources:
http://www.emphysema.net/smokers.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emphysema

Photo: James Heilman, MD, Wikimedia. No endorsement implied. For license information visit:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en

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