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You will now receive email updates from the American Lung Association. Select your location to view local American Lung Association events and news near you. Our service is free and we are here to help you. Emphysema is one of the most preventable respiratory illnesses because it is so strongly linked to smoking. Air pollutants, an alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and respiratory infections can also play a role, but smoking is considered the number one cause.
If the same person also has chronic bronchitis ongoing inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes , the mucus present can further contribute to narrowing of the air passages and clogging of the air sacs, further reducing their ability to function.
As the number of functional air sacs reduces, the number of capillaries servicing the damaged alveoli also gradually reduces.
These changes result in:. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including emphysema, is diagnosed mainly using a lung function test called spirometry. Other tests that may help in diagnosis of emphysema include:. There is no cure for emphysema, although it is treatable.
Appropriate management can reduce symptoms, improve your quality of life and help you stay out of hospital. Management includes:. These programs:. To find out about a program near you, call Lung Foundation Australia on If a person with emphysema is found to have exceptionally low levels of oxygen in their blood, they will be given oxygen to use at home.
The oxygen is usually breathed through the nose via nasal prongs cannulae. The person will need to use the oxygen treatment for at least 16 hours every day.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. Around 75 per cent of Melbourne's air pollution is caused by vehicle emissions. When asbestos fibres become airborne, people working with asbestos may inhale particles which remain in their lungs. Aspergillus is a fungus that commonly grows on rotting vegetation. It can cause asthma symptoms. Asthma cannot be cured, but with good management people with asthma can lead normal, active lives.
Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection in babies under six months of age. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Yoga, tai chi, and deep breathing exercises can also help relieve symptoms. Oxygen therapy can help make breathing easier. People with severe emphysema may need oxygen 24 hours a day.
Lung volume reduction surgery may be used to remove small parts of damaged lung, and a lung transplant can replace the entire lung. These are rare surgeries used only for people with severe emphysema. Emphysema might cause you to become underweight. Eating foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, like fruits and vegetables, is recommended to improve your overall health.
Getting vaccinated against certain infections, such as pneumonia, can help prevent you from getting an infection that could complicate emphysema. Joining a support group can help you connect with others who have the disease and share similar experiences. Since emphysema is mainly caused by smoking tobacco, the best way to prevent it is to refrain from smoking.
The outlook for people with emphysema varies based on its severity. Early detection of the disease is key, because people with emphysema can develop life threatening conditions when the lungs and heart become damaged over time. With the aid of medications and therapies, you can live a long, healthy life with emphysema. We'll go into detail about the condition's stages and how to manage symptoms. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD affects the lungs and your ability to breathe.
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It also leads to hypoxemia and hypercapnia.
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