“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Emphysema is a chronic lung disease that is often caused by smoking. It is characterized by damage to the air sacs in the lungs, which leads to reduced lung function and difficulty breathing.
The main symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath, which tends to worsen over time. Other symptoms may include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and fatigue. People with emphysema are also at an increased risk for respiratory infections and other lung diseases.
Emphysema is typically diagnosed through lung function tests, chest X-rays, and other imaging studies. Treatment options for emphysema include:
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged lung tissue and improve lung function. However, surgery is typically reserved for people with very advanced emphysema who do not respond to other treatments.
Overall, emphysema is a chronic disease that requires ongoing management and treatment to help manage symptoms and improve lung function.