Respiratory System Conditions
Subtopic:
Emphysema
Emphysema
- Defined as hyperinflation or over distention of the lungs due to trapping of more air in the alveoli as a result of loss of elasticity of the lung.
Causes & RFs
- Associated with chronic bronchitis usually (both are regarded as COPDs).
- Deficiency of alpha 1-antitrypsin which normally maintains the structure of thealveoli in some cases.
- Infection; URTIs
- Smoke and other environmental and industrial pollutants
- Physical factors, g. sudden change in temperature, exposure to fog
- Genetic and familial
Clinical features
- Usually diagnosed after 60years of age
- Severe dyspnea
- A cough that usually follows a dyspnea
- Little mucoidal sputum
- Pink-puffers in the initial stages of the
- Purse-lip breathing
- Tachypnea
- Cyanosis in the terminally ill
Treatment
- No specific treatment required as the disease progresses slowly to Cor pulmonale (right sided heart failure)
- Treatment is directed towards treating chronic bronchitis;
- Antibiotics for infections
- Bronchodilators inhaler or nebulization in acute exacerbations
- Steroids
- Domiciliary oxygen therapy
- Incase of Cor pulmonale has developed
- Salt and fluid restriction
- Diuretics
- Oxygen therapy
- Antibiotics course
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