Emphysema

Emphysema is a chronic lung disease in which the alveoli become damaged. Chronic means that it will not go away. Emphysema falls under COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

What is pulmonary emphysema?

Pulmonary emphysema is a chronic lung disease in which more and more alveoli are destroyed. The lungs consist of very many alveoli. These ensure that oxygen is absorbed and carbon dioxide is released. 

In pulmonary emphysema, the walls of these alveoli are damaged. As a result, the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide is no longer possible there. It becomes increasingly difficult to absorb oxygen. The alveoli that are damaged cannot recover.

Due to the damage, the elasticity of the lung tissue decreases. The tissue remains stretched and no longer springs back properly after breathing. The loss of elasticity means that parts of the lungs can no longer be used. That also applies to parts of the lungs in which the alveoli have not yet been damaged.

What are the causes of pulmonary emphysema?

The biggest cause is smoking. The substances in tobacco damage the walls of the alveoli. Toxic fumes can also cause emphysema. People in construction who work with paint or asbestos, for example, are at greater risk. Sometimes a hereditary disorder is the cause. All causes at a glance:

• Smoking.
• Working with toxic substances.
• Hereditary disorder.
• Chronic bronchitis. Due to inflammation in the bronchi, the alveoli can be damaged.
• Ageing. Due to ageing, the quality of the alveoli declines.

What are the symptoms of pulmonary emphysema?

There are various symptoms that occur in pulmonary emphysema:

• Shortness of breath.
• Wheezing.
• Excess mucus production.
• Frequent coughing.
• Clearing the throat.
• Fatigue.

What is the treatment for pulmonary emphysema?

Pulmonary emphysema can be treated with medication, the so-called bronchodilators. These medicines cause the muscles around the airways to relax, making breathing easier. But the most important part of treatment is stopping smoking to prevent further damage.

Physiotherapy
With a physiotherapist, you will work specifically on your fitness. The aim is to prevent worsening of the symptoms so that the lungs do not deteriorate further. You can consult a general physiotherapist or a respiratory physiotherapist who specialises in the treatment of COPD.

Surgical procedure
In severe pulmonary emphysema, surgery may be considered. This is only possible if the body is in good condition. During the operation, the surgeon removes part of the damaged, non-elastic lung tissue. This allows the healthy lung tissue to function better again. This procedure is major chest surgery.

There is an alternative to the major operation. In this procedure, a valve is used to close off the most damaged part of the lung. This creates more space for the healthy lung tissue. It has the same effect as the major operation, while being much less burdensome. The valves are inserted into the damaged part of the lung via the mouth and throat using a small tube. 

This treatment is called endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR).

What can you do yourself for pulmonary emphysema?

Although it is a condition that does not go away, a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce symptoms.

• Keep moving despite the shortness of breath. By training the muscles and breathing, you keep the lungs in condition.
• Ensure a varied and healthy diet so that the body gets enough vitamins, proteins, and good fats.
• Avoid overweight.
• Avoid underweight. People with emphysema use more energy to breathe, or have no energy left to eat, which can lead to underweight. Try to eat enough to give your lungs sufficient energy. Underweight also lowers the immune system, causing alveoli to be damaged even faster.