Treating Emphysema

Smoking Cessation

Quitting smoking slows progression of the disease. Doctors consider it the most important aspect of treatment. Smoking cessation programs may include behavior modification and medications to help you gradually taper off cigarettes.

Environmental Management

Limiting the number of irritants in the air may help make breathing easier. Avoid smoke, dust, smog, extreme heat or cold, and high altitudes.

Medication

Although no medication will actually cure emphysema, a variety of drugs are available to help ease the symptoms and fight the complications. These include:

• Bronchodilators-to relax the airways and open breathing passages (may be given as pills or inhaled)
• Corticosteroids-to decrease inflammation and swelling in the breathing passages
• Antibiotics-to fight bacterial infections
• Expectorants-to loosen mucus and make it easier to cough up

Oxygen

Oxygen is given to supplement the air taken in by the body. It can increase energy levels and heart and brain function by increasing the amount of available oxygen.

Infection Prevention

Because emphysema makes you prone to flu and pneumonia , doctors recommend an annual flu shot . Be sure to have a pneumococcal vaccine . Avoid being around people who are sick. If you think you are getting the flu, contact your physician. You may need to take an antiviral medication.

Exercise/Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs

Special exercises can strengthen chest muscles and make breathing easier. Physical activity builds endurance and improves quality of life. Follow your doctor's recommendations for activity levels and restrictions.

Breathing Techniques

Special methods of breathing and breathing exercises with and without an incentive spirometer can help bring more air into the lungs and force trapped air out of the lungs.

Percussion and Postural Drainage

This is a technique that utilizes special techniques of clapping on the back and chest to help loosen secretions and special positioning to help the lungs drain.

Nutrition and Fluids

• Maintain a normal weight. Excess weight causes the lungs and heart to work harder.
• Eat a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods.
• Eat several small meals during the day. It makes breathing easier.
• Avoid gas-producing foods. An overly full stomach pushes up on the diaphragm, which encroaches on the lungs' space, making it harder to breathe.
• Drink fluids to keep mucus thin.

Lifestyle Changes

• Pace your activities.
• Learn relaxation techniques and other methods to manage stress.
• Seek emotional support from professionals, family, and friends. Anxiety can increase the rate of respiration, making breathing more strenuous.
• Avoid situations which might expose you to contagious respiratory illnesses.
• Be sure to get an influenzae vaccine yearly.
• Avoid high altitudes and extremes of temperature.

Surgery

A small number of patients may benefit from surgery. Procedures used to treat emphysema include:

• Bullectomy to remove blebs on the lungs (sometimes done with laser)
• Lung volume reduction surgery
• Lung transplant