A huge side effect of smoking can be attributed to Emphysema, a disease where in you find it extremely difficult to exhale though you may inhale quite comfortably.

The bronchioles, which resemble grape clusters, are small air sacs in the lungs. As the bronchioles incur more and more damage, they are destroyed. This effectively decreases the number of air sacs, thus inhibiting oxygen from entering the blood stream. Normally round, their inner walls become holes making it difficult to expel air from the lungs. In addition, elastic fibers that work to hold the air passages to the bronchioles open are also severely damaged, causing the airways to collapse on exhalation. Air is unable to escape.

Obstructed airway accounts for another factor that plays a major role in the chronic disease of Emphysema. Treatment is easily available but the ailment is irrevocable and gradually progress towards the end.

What are the symptoms?

Shortness of breath on exertion, Wheezing Tightness in the chest, Inability to engage in physical activity, Persistent cough, Weight loss Low or no appetite and Tires easily are common symptoms.

These symptoms are not exclusive to emphysema, but they are an indication that the lungs are not working sufficiently. You should see your physician as soon as possible to determine what is causing the symptoms. The most common cause is smoking. Another known cause of emphysema is an inherited protein deficiency, or AAt. AAt is what gives protection the elastic tissues of the lungs.

Testing:

Your doctor will order special testing, to include:

Spirometry Arterial Blood Gas (ABG), Chest x-ray and Sputum analysis CT scan.

If testing comes back positive for emphysema, your doctor will decide what is the best treatment for you. If you smoke, now is a good time to stop.

Treatment or cure:

There are various kinds of treatments available that range from inhaled corticosteroids to bronchodilators. In case you have GERD, you need to be provided treatment so that the disease does not aggravate. If you have low levels of blood oxygen, your physician may recommend supplemental supply of oxygen to help you breath in a better way and thereby increase the levels of blood oxygen.

The pulmonary rehabilitation programs makes provision for exercise, education, and development of nature for those patients who are suffering from emphysema. Nutritional guidance will also be provided in order to help you quit smoking and breathing exercises will help you save energy.

Medications, such as antibiotics are prescribed if there is an underlying bacterial infection, in addition to recommendations to get flu (yearly) and pneumonia (every 5 years) shots to aid in preventing complications.

Other treatment options involve surgical intervention to remove damaged portions of the lung, and lung transplantation for severe cases that do not respond to other treatments.

Emphysema is a chronic progressive disease that will require on-going treatment for the rest of the patient's life. If you have symptoms of this condition, see your doctor as soon as possible.