1. Emphysema Graham Gamble

2. What is it?  A weakening of the elasticity of the lungs and general destruction of the lungs.  Often accompanied by chronic bronchitis, which is a long term cough with mucus.  Combination=COPD  This affects the lungs.

4. Symptoms  Cough, with or without mucus  Fatigue  Many respiratory infections  Shortness of breath (dyspnea) that gets worse with mild activity  Trouble catching one's breath  Wheezing

6. Cause  Smoking is the #1 cause.  Lack of a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin.  Other factors include:  Exposure to certain gases or fumes in the workplace  Exposure to heavy amounts of secondhand smoke and pollution  Frequent use of cooking fire without proper ventilation

8. Treatment  No cure.  Stop Smoking.  Inhalers and steroids to increase airflow and reduce swelling.  Oxygen therapy(during flare ups or at home)  Exercise and breath work.  May need antibiotics to keep off infection.

10. Lung Volume Reduction Surgery  Emphysema cause swelling and has also been found to affect portions of the lungs to greater degrees.  20-35% of the poorer functioning parts of each lung are removed in surgery.  Allows surrounding tissues to work more efficiently leading to a better quality of life.

12. Progression  Gets worse over time.  Quit smoking to slow the process.  Not curable; will end in eventual death.  As it gets worse it will affect every day life more and more, causing more shortness of breath and more hospital visits.

14. Moral of the Story  Don’t smoke.