What three things happen to a patient with emphysema?
Complications
- Collapsed lung (pneumothorax). A collapsed lung can be life-threatening in people who have severe emphysema, because the function of their lungs is already so compromised.
- Heart problems.
- Large holes in the lungs (bullae).
How does emphysema affect you emotionally?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) For people living with COPD, the physical challenges of managing the disease can sometimes affect their mood and emotional health. Most COPD patients experience feelings of sadness, fear and worry at times. This is common and normal when coping with a serious illness.
What are the long term effects of emphysema?
Emphysema is a long-term, progressive disease of the lungs that primarily causes shortness of breath due to over-inflation of the alveoli (air sacs in the lung). In people with emphysema, the lung tissue involved in the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) is impaired or destroyed.
How does emphysema cause death?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a category of conditions that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is a progressive condition that gets steadily worse. Over time, the body becomes less able to take in enough oxygen. This can ultimately result in death.
What organs are affected by emphysema?
Emphysema primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other organs and systems, including the heart, muscles, and circulatory system, as the disease progresses. In addition to respiratory symptoms, emphysema can also lead to exercise intolerance and muscle atrophy.
What is the last stage of emphysema?
End-stage emphysema, or stage 4 emphysema, can mean living with a decade or more of breathing problems, tiredness, heart problems or other health concerns that impact your ability to live your life to your fullest.
What is the best inhaler for COPD?
The corticosteroids that doctors most often prescribe for COPD are:
- Fluticasone (Flovent). This comes as an inhaler you use twice daily.
- Budesonide (Pulmicort). This comes as a handheld inhaler or for use in a nebulizer.
- Prednisolone. This comes as a pill, liquid, or shot.