Emphysema In Saginaw, MI
Emphysema is a lung disease that occurs mainly in smokers. Emphysema destroys the alveoli or air sacs of the lungs, reducing the surface area of the lungs and, ultimately, the amount of oxygen that reaches the bloodstream. As a result, individuals with emphysema experience shortness of breath, usually when partaking in physical activity such as climbing stairs or even when at rest.
Emphysema mainly affects chronic smokers. However, individuals who have been exposed to other irritants for a prolonged period are also susceptible to emphysema. You may have emphysema in Saginaw, MI if you experience shortness of breath or coughing whenever you engage in physical activity or exercise. In some cases, emphysema may continue undetected for years.
If you’ve been experiencing difficulty breathing, contact MI Health Clinic today for an evaluation.
What Causes Emphysema?
Smoking is the primary cause of emphysema. If you’re a chronic smoker, you’re at great risk of developing emphysema. Individuals exposed to chemical fumes and those who live in areas of high pollution are also at an elevated risk of emphysema.
In many cases, patients who have emphysema also have bronchitis. Bronchitis is defined as the inflammation of the bronchial tubes or the tubes that carry air to the lungs. Emphysema and bronchitis belong to a group of lung diseases collectively known as chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD).
Complications of emphysema include heart problems and collapsed lungs.
If you’ve been coughing persistently and experiencing shortness of breath, you may be dealing with undiagnosed emphysema. Get the timely help you need by getting in touch with MI Health Clinic today.
What to Expect
Our doctors in Saginaw, MI, will carefully evaluate your medical history and perform several tests to determine if you have emphysema. We use imaging tests, including chest x-rays and CT scans, and lab tests, and lung function tests to gather definitive data. With this data, our doctors can create personalized treatment plans.
There’s no cure for emphysema. However, symptoms can be managed via various interventions, including bronchodilators, inhaled steroids, antibiotics, supplemental oxygen, nutrition therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
In severe cases of emphysema, our doctors may recommend surgical treatments such as lung volume reduction surgery to remove portions of damaged lung tissue and lung transplant.
To prevent or halt the progression of emphysema, we recommend quitting smoking, avoiding other respiratory irritants such as overpowering chemical fumes, getting the necessary flu and pneumonia vaccinations, and exercising regularly.
To find out more about emphysema near you, please contact MI Health Clinic today.