Emphysema (cont.)
Pulmonary rehabilitation
These programs involve primarily two components, education and exercise.
Patient education includes:
- proper breathing techniques,
- clearance of
secretions,
- understanding their medications and devices,
- the ability to travel,
- efficient body mechanics, and
- networking with other lung patients.
All of the above are
essential components of emphysema treatment. Graded physical exercise under
supervision allows for better patient mobility. A multidisciplinary program
helps improve the patient's quality of life and decreases the number of
hospitalizations for exacerbations of their underlying disease.
Surgery
Depending upon what type of damage has occurred to the lung, there is
potential to have surgery to decrease the lung volume and help minimize the
symptoms of emphysema. Because patients with this disease tend to be older, more
ill, and have associated underlying medical problems, this treatment is very
patient-specific and is not routinely offered.
Studies have demonstrated that
patients with emphysema primarily affecting the upper lobes of both lungs may
benefit most from lung volume reduction surgery. Studies are ongoing to reduce
lung volumes by placing small valves in the airways using a less invasive
procedure.
Another innovative procedure involves placing small stents connecting
trapped air spaces to air passages. The effectiveness of these less invasive
procedures has yet to be determined.
Emphysema At A Glance
- For most patients, emphysema is a preventable illness linked to smoking.
- Once present, emphysema is not curable, but its symptoms are controllable.
- Medication regimens are available to preserve function for daily activities
and quality of life.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation involving exercise training and education is an
essential component of emphysema therapy.
- Surgical options have been developed and are presently being studied as to
their effectiveness.
Last Editorial Review: 3/24/2008
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