Question 1

can emphysema be cured?

Accepted Answer

No: Emphysema is, by definition, a disease characterized by irreversible damage to the lungs.  However, there are all degrees of emphysema and the goal of therapy is to ameliorate symptoms, treat complications,  and prevent or slow progression.

Question 2

what is done for  emphysema?

Accepted Answer

Smoking Cessation: The most important thing is to stop the cause, which in the vast majority of cases is smoking-related.  Thereafter, treatment focuses on keeping the airways open with medications.  There is less room in the lungs (even though they're bigger) for gas exchange, so many of these patients require supplemental oxygen.

Question 3

how can i have gotten emphysema?

Accepted Answer

Possibilities...: Most of the time, COPD is caused by smoking, if you are a non-smoker, there are environmental exposures that can contribute so what type of work you do may be relevant. There is also a form of COPD, alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency, which is caused by an enzyme deficiency. This can be diagnosed via a blood test and the enzyme can be replaced so the disease won't progress further.

Question 4

what sort of disorder is emphysema?

Accepted Answer

Destruction of lung: Emphysema is destruction of lung tissue, most often from smoking. I some people, it is due to a genetic deficiency of a particular blocking enzyme. It causes difficulty breathing, especially in its advanced stages. But, many people with emphysema live full and active lives, especially with proper treatment.

Question 5

what are the symptoms of emphysema?

Accepted Answer

See below: Shortness of breath, wheezing, cough - usually dry but sometimes wet. You can also get chest pains etc.

Question 6

is emphysema common for nonsmokers?

Accepted Answer

No: However, if some one has a genetic predisposition to emphysema, such as alpha-1-antitrypsin disease, then they can develop emphysema.  Also, people who are exposed to second hand smoke on a chronic basis can develop emphysema.

Question 7

what are other effects of emphysema?

Accepted Answer

Breathlessness: Shortness of breath is number 1, but weight loss, susceptibility to infection, and cardiac disease are also possible.

Question 8

how come i have emphysema, but nobody else in the family has it?

Accepted Answer

Tobacco?: If you smoke, used to smoke, or are exposed to significant second hand smoke, you've got your answer. Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency causes emyphysema in non-smokers but is generally inherited.  However,  you could be an exception.

Question 9

is emphysema curable?

Accepted Answer

No: Emphysema is, by definition, a disease characterized by irreversible damage to the lungs.  However, there are all degrees of emphysema and the goal of therapy is to ameliorate symptoms, treat complications,  and prevent or slow progression.

Question 10

is emphysema contagious?

Accepted Answer

No: Emphysema is acquired by a combination of environmental and genetic factors and is especially worsened by any exposure to airborne pollutants and contaminants - ie exposure to tobacco smoking primary and/or secondary and things like asbestos etc. Not by being exposed to those with emphysema.

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