Prevention and Cure for Emphysema

Prevention and Cure for Emphysema

There is currently no cure for emphysema. The disease causes progressive damage to the lungs and can eventually kill. The only known "cure" for emphysema is lung transplant, but few patients are strong enough physically to survive the surgery. The combination of a patient's age, oxygen deprivation and the side effects of the medications used to treat emphysema cause damage to the kidneys, heart and other organs. Surgical transplantation also requires the patient to take an anti-rejection drug regimen which suppresses the immune system and can lead to microbial infection of the patient.

How to prevent emphysema??

1. Stop smoking 

   

      No other preventative factor carries more weight than smoking cessation in the prevention of emphysema. Many options are available for smokers who are having a hard time quitting on their own. One of the most effective way is by using stop smoking aids like Chantix. Chantix (Varenicline) is an FDA approved medication that has helped thousands of people quit smoking. It is available by prescription only and is the second drug of its kind to be labeled as a medication specific to smoking cessation. In addition to that, with the help of counseling and support groups, smoking can be a thing of the past for those with a strong desire to make positive lifestyle changes.

2. Limit your exposure to secondhand smoke.

Being exposed to other people's cigarette or cigarette smoke can increase your risk of developing emphysema.

• Kindly ask your friends not to smoke indoors. Daily indoor exposure to secondhand smoke will negatively affect the health of everyone in the home. Establishing house rules can protect the health of your entire family and/or friends.
• Prevent emphysema by avoiding smoky locations. A smoke-filled nightclub, an outdoor cafe that permits smoking, and a smoking neighbour who leaves the windows open are all examples of situations that expose you to secondhand smoke against your will. Remove yourself from these situations as much as possible.

3. Limit your exposure to the environmental pollutants that cause emphysema.

• Study a list of indoor and outdoor pollutants. Learn about the impact of various pollutants on lung health. For example, nitrogen dioxide is a substance that leads to emphysema when present in excessive amounts. Homes with gas stoves and kerosene heaters that are lacking in proper ventilation may have higher nitrogen dioxide levels.
• Use safe wood burning practices. If you use a wood burning stove or fireplace, your indoor air quality may be polluted. Reduce emissions by using high-quality firewood and low-emission stoves.
• Avoid working or studying in places that expose you to environmental pollutants. A working or studying environment that exposes you to cigarette smoke or asbestos on a daily basis will increase your chances of developing emphysema. Remove yourself from unsafe environments or speak to the people in charge about improving health standards for all workers.    

 

4. Pump It Up

      Get plenty of regular exercise for overall good health and to increase lung capacity. Doctors say walking and swimming are the two best exercises for patients already diagnosed with emphysema, buy you should check with your health care provider before beginning an exercise program. You can also look into respiratory rehabilitation programs available through many hospitals and clinics. Respiratory therapists who run these programs can also instruct you in correct breathing exercises.

5. Taking in Nutritional Food 

      Improve your diet, and take nutritional supplements if you develop emphysema. Many doctors say emphysema depletes the body of vitamins A and C. They also say smoking or exposure to second hand smoke can cause a deficiency of antioxidants, which can be found in fruits and vegetables.

 

6. Take Care of Yourself

      If you continue to smoke or if you develop emphysema, you will need to double your other efforts at staying healthy. Stay away from people with colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses. If you get a cold or the flu, see your doctor for treatment. Ask him about getting an annual flu shot. There is also an injection available to help prevent pneumonia, although it can only be given twice in your lifetime. You will need to think carefully about elective surgery if you have emphysema. Anesthesia can sometimes cause respiratory failure in these patients.

7. Visit your doctor if you have breathing problems.

      

      While emphysema is not reversible, a diagnosis will allow you to take immediate action. Treatment usually involves recommendations to stop the exposure to the pollutant, whether it is cigarette smoke, an environmental pollutant or a combination of substances. Exposure cessation can stop or retard the advancement of the disease.

         Check this out if u wanna know more about emphysema

                         

References:

http://copd.about.com/od/whatisemphysema/a/emphysema.htm

http://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Emphysema

http://www.livestrong.com/article/6853-prevent-emphysema/