Shortness of breath is a symptom of emphysema, a lung disease in which the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) are harmed. Over time, the alveoli’s inner walls weaken and rupture, resulting in larger air spaces instead of numerous small ones. This reduces the lung’s surface area and, consequently, the amount of oxygen that enters the bloodstream.
Old air becomes trapped during exhalation because the damaged alveoli are unable to function properly, blocking the passageway for new, oxygen-rich air.
Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to our lungs, causes chronic bronchitis, which is common in people with emphysema and causes a chronic cough.
Smoking is the main cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes the conditions emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD can be treated, but it cannot undo the damage that has already been done.
SYMPTOMS OF EMPHYSEMA
The main symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath, which typically starts gradually and may be present for many years before we notice any signs or symptoms.
Emphysema eventually results in shortness of breath even while we are at rest; however, we may begin to avoid activities that make us feel out of breath, so the symptom does not become a problem until it starts interfering with daily tasks.
CAUSES OF EMPHYSEMA
Emphysema is primarily brought on by chronic exposure to allergens in the air, such as:
- Tobacco smoke
- Marijuana smoke
- Air pollution
- Chemical fumes and dust
Occasionally, a condition known as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency emphysema results from an inherited lack of a protein that safeguards the elastic lung structures.
COMPLICATIONS OF EMPHYSEMA
Emphysema patients have an increased risk of developing:
- Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)-Because the function of the lungs is already severely compromised in people with severe emphysema, a collapsed lung can be life-threatening.
- Emphysema may worsen the condition known as cor pulmonale, in which a region of the heart enlarges and becomes weaker.
- Large holes in the lungs (bullae)-Giant bullae, which can be as big as half the lung in some emphysema sufferers, reduce the amount of room for the lung to expand and raise the risk of pneumothorax in addition to being a symptom of the disease.
PREVENTION OF EMPHYSEMA
Wear a mask to protect your lungs if you work with chemicals or dust to prevent emphysema. Do not smoke. Avoid breathing secondhand smoke.
HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR EMHYSEMA
1. Ammonium Carb :When a person with emphysema experiences shortness of breath after taking even a few steps, when the shortness of breath worsens in a warm environment and disappears in the open air, when a cough develops with difficulty breathing that tends to worsen at night, and when there is chronic weakness, it is useful.
2. Antimonium Arsenicosum :Emphysema is well-suited for this medication because it causes excessive dyspnea, coughing up a lot of mucus, and shortness of breath, which is most noticeable when eating or lying down.
3. Arsenic Album :Useful for emphysema when severe anxiety manifests as shortness of breath, cold sweat, and even when lying down. Best used when breathing is made easier by inclining the chest forward.
4. Lobelia Inflata :Best suited when going up and down stairs causes shortness of breath. There is constriction and a feeling of fullness in the middle of the chest along with dryness of the respiratory tract. Useful for emphysema where shortness of breath appears from slight exertion.
5. Silicea :Emphysema patients who experience shortness of breath when walking quickly, as well as those who feel it when bending over or lying on their back, should take this medication. It is also useful for people who have a persistent cough that lasts all day and night, as well as those who experience profuse expectoration and an unpleasant phlegm odor.
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