Emphysema
Emphysema: Abnormal irreversible enlargement of air spaces distal to terminal bronchioles caused by destruction of alveolar walls, resulting in decreased elastic recoil properties of lungs. Emphysema is the most common cause of death from respiratory disease in the United States.
Cause: Cigarette smoking, deficiency of alpha,-antitrypsin.
Recurrent inflammation associated with release of proteolytic enzymes
from lung cells causes bronchiolar and alveolar wall damage and, ultimately,
destruction. Loss of lung supporting structure results in decreased
elastic recoil and airway collapse on expiration. Destruction of
alveolar walls decreases surface area for gas exchange.
Symptoms:
Dyspnea (labored or difficulty breathing)
Chronic cough
Anorexia
Weight loss
Malaise
Barrel chest
Use of accessory muscles of respiration
Prolonged expiratory period with grunting
Pursed - lip breathing
Tachypnea (rapid respiration)
Complications includes: recurrent respiratory tract infections, cor pulmonale, and respiratory failure
Treatment:
Bronchodilators - to promote mucociliary clearance
Antibiotics to treat respiratory infection; Influenza vaccine to prevent influenza; and Pneumococcal vaccine to prevent pneumococcal pneumonia
Adequate fluid intake and , in some patients, chest physiotherapy to mobilize secretions
Oxygen therapy to treat hypoxemia
Avoidance of smoking and air pollutants
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