Emphysema
When there is an enlargement of the sacs in the lungs and a destruction of the walls, the condition has developed into emphysema. The two causes for the airflow obstruction in Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking cigarettes is the main cause of emphysema, but smoking cigars and pipes are also causes. The environment and the workplace may contribute to the cause if there are dangerous chemicals or excessive dust present. A mild persistent cough is one of the first signs of emphysema and chronic obstruction pulmonary disease, and this can happen after as little as ten years of smoking. As age advances to the sixties, the person begins to be breathless after a short walk. This progresses faster until the person is not able to handle daily activities. There can also be severe loss of weight.
The most effective treatment is to eliminate the cause, which is smoking. If smoking is stopped in the early progress of emphysema it may stop the progression of developments in the disease and in some cases reverse it. However, any time smoking is stopped it will be beneficial. If a person with chronic obstruction pulmonary diseases is infected by influenza or pneumonia, it can severely increase the condition; therefore, the person should have an influenza vaccination every year and a pneumococcal as often as a doctor directs it. Colds and any other respiratory infections should be avoided for the same reason. In addition to quitting smoking, a healthy lifestyle of nutrition and as much exercise as permitted by the doctor will also be beneficial in relief of symptoms and extension of life.
