Facts on Emphysema and COPD - Effects of a Smoking Addiction

Any discussion of the facts on emphysema mustsmoking, it usually occurs in older adults. Men are 64%
include the main statement that emphysema belongsmore likely to contract it than women. However, as the
to the COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)female population that took up smoking in the
group of respiratory conditions. COPD disorders causeseventies and eighties are aging, emphysema is now
obstruction to the airways and make it difficult tobecoming more prevalent in women as well. The two
properly exhale all the carbon dioxide in the lungs.causes of emphysema not related to smoking are
There are three known causes of emphysema, butoccupational exposures and a genetic enzyme
smoking is the major one.deficiency that is very rare.
Other illnesses in the COPD group of respiratoryIf you smoke and have this enzyme deficiency or
problems are asthma and chronic bronchitis. Thesework in an environment with occupational exposures
three conditions are seldom present in isolation of eachto dust and irritating vapors, you amplify your risk for
other and therefore when one is present the otherdeveloping emphysema.
two are likely to be present as well. This is why theyIf you are still smoking cigarettes, the effects of
are grouped together and called Chronic Obstructivesmoking on the body have already started. Some
Pulmonary Disease or COPD.experts suggest that all smokers have some level of
Emphysema causes damage to the air sacs in theemphysema, however, quitting smoking or avoiding
lungs. The natural air sacs in the lungs are called alveoli.secondhand smoking will reduce your chances of
As emphysema progresses these sacs becomedeveloping it.
larger and fewer in number. The tissue around themOne of the startling facts on emphysema is that there
lose elasticity so the sacs cannot expand and contractis no cure, but the symptoms can be treated and
normally.lessened. Treatment for emphysema is based on the
Eventually a lot of very small air sacs coalesce intoseverity of symptoms. Some of the treatment options
one larger air sac greatly decreasing the surface areamost commonly used are similar to those used for
available for gas exchange. Additionally the airwaysasthma. These are treatments like inhalers, medications
collapse after inhaling. This traps carbon dioxide in the(antibiotics, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids), and
lungs as it cannot get out through the narrowedoxygen therapy.
airways. Gradually the blood levels of oxygenTwo of the most significant facts on emphysema are
decrease and levels of carbon dioxide increase.that it predisposes you to develop lung infections and
Symptoms of emphysema are a chronic cough, aheart failure.
grayish-blue cast to the skin (from a lack of oxygen),Frequent infections result from the inability of the lungs
fatigue, dizziness, finding it hard to catch your breath,to effectively remove accumulated mucus. Low
and having difficulty breathing during any type ofoxygen levels stimulate the heart to pump more blood
physical exercise. Often there is great discomfortand it becomes overworked eventually developing
when you eat (because it is hard to breathe with a fullwhat is called congestive heart failure or cor
stomach), so gradually there is loss of appetite, weightpulmonale. Pneumonia and heart failure are the usual
loss and lack of energy. Unfortunately, because thiscause of death in people with emphysema and COPD.
condition progresses so slowly, by the time symptomsThe facts on emphysema are very clear. It is a
appear emphysema is usually already at a stage thatchronic disabling condition. It leads to comorbid
is can affect your ability to lead a normal life.conditions such as lung infections and heart failure and
The facts on emphysema include some very startlingit is one of the main smoking effects on the body in
statistics. Because emphysema is primarily caused bythe respiratory system.