Pulmonary emphysema

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Pulmonary Emphysema

Pulmonary emphysema (pronounced: pul-MON-ary em-fuh-SEE-muh) is a chronic lung disease that affects the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.

Etymology

The term "emphysema" is derived from the Greek emphysan, meaning "inflate", which is fitting as the disease is characterized by the over-inflation of the alveoli. "Pulmonary" refers to the lungs and is derived from the Latin pulmonarius.

Symptoms

The main symptom of pulmonary emphysema is shortness of breath, which usually begins gradually. Other symptoms may include chronic cough, fatigue, weight loss, and frequent respiratory infections.

Causes

The primary cause of pulmonary emphysema is long-term exposure to airborne irritants, including tobacco smoke, air pollution, and occupational dust and chemicals. Rarely, it can be caused by an inherited deficiency of a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin.

Diagnosis

Pulmonary emphysema is diagnosed based on symptoms, a physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as spirometry, chest X-rays, and CT scans.

Treatment

While the damage to the lungs caused by pulmonary emphysema is irreversible, treatments can help to relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. These may include medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, and in severe cases, surgery or lung transplantation.

Related Terms

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