Pulmonary emphysema
Pulmonary Emphysema
Pulmonary emphysema (pronounced: pul-MON-ary em-fuh-SEE-muh) is a chronic lung disease that affects the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.
Etymology
The term "emphysema" is derived from the Greek emphysan, meaning "inflate", which is fitting as the disease is characterized by the over-inflation of the alveoli. "Pulmonary" refers to the lungs and is derived from the Latin pulmonarius.
Symptoms
The main symptom of pulmonary emphysema is shortness of breath, which usually begins gradually. Other symptoms may include chronic cough, fatigue, weight loss, and frequent respiratory infections.
Causes
The primary cause of pulmonary emphysema is long-term exposure to airborne irritants, including tobacco smoke, air pollution, and occupational dust and chemicals. Rarely, it can be caused by an inherited deficiency of a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin.
Diagnosis
Pulmonary emphysema is diagnosed based on symptoms, a physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as spirometry, chest X-rays, and CT scans.
Treatment
While the damage to the lungs caused by pulmonary emphysema is irreversible, treatments can help to relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. These may include medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, and in severe cases, surgery or lung transplantation.
Related Terms
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe, of which emphysema is one type.
- Bronchitis: Inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the alveoli in the lungs.
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: A genetic disorder that can cause lung disease and liver disease.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pulmonary emphysema
- Wikipedia's article - Pulmonary emphysema
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