Is emphysema cancer?
Several studies show that the presence of radiological emphysema (alveolar damage) on computed tomography (CT) scan is in association with an increased risk of lung cancer. In fact, the two largest studies in COPD to date, using low-radiation-dose CT imaging to screen for lung cancer (8), linked the extent of radiological emphysema with the risk of death from respiratory disease and lung cancer, even after controlling for tobacco use, age, and sex. We may look at emphysema as cancer or at least an increased risk of lung cancer
A person with emphysema may not notice the signs and symptoms of the disease until it has destroyed 50% or more of their lung tissue. In that stage, symptoms can include shortness of breath and tiredness.
The main cause of emphysema is smoking. But it can also occur if you have chronic bronchitis or another lung disease.
How is emphysema diagnosed?
A healthcare provider will tap on your chest with a stethoscope to listen for a hollow sound. If they hear a hollow sound, it means that air is trapped in your lungs and making it harder to breathe. Your healthcare provider will then order tests to confirm the diagnosis.
What tests will your healthcare provider do?
Your healthcare provider will take X-rays of your lungs to see how well they’re working. They’ll compare your lungs to the lungs of people who are at a similar age, height and sex.
The healthcare provider may also perform a CT scan, which creates a 3D image of your lungs. Your provider may also order spirometry, a test that measures how well your lungs work. It is good that your healthcare provider talk to you about breathing techniques and other ways to help improve your quality of life.
How to Diagnose Emphysema
Your lungs are responsible for breathing oxygen into your blood and pushing carbon dioxide out of it. Your lungs are vital to your quality of life and can be one of the first organs to show signs of disease.
It’s important to diagnose emphysema as soon as possible to slow its progression. Early detection of emphysema can also help you avoid lung-related problems, such as heart disease.
The best way to diagnose emphysema is to get a doctor’s opinion. Your doctor can ask you about your health history and perform a physical exam. Then, your doctor may suggest a number of tests.
Tests for emphysema include pulse oximetry, spirometry and other pulmonary function tests. Your doctor might also order X-rays and computerized tomography (CT) scans.
Early Stages of Emphysema:
Mild Shortness of Breath and Cough
As emphysema progresses, you might experience new symptoms that might make it harder to breathe. These could include a persistent cough that gets worse, fatigue and trouble sleeping. You may also experience frequent flare-ups of your emphysema, where you feel tired and have difficulty catching your breath.
Moderate Stages of Emphysema: In this stage, your lungs operate between 50% and 79% as well as the healthy lungs of someone of the same age, height and sex. Your symptoms may also be more severe, and you might have more respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu.
Severe Stages of Emphysema: This is the most serious stage of emphysema, and you will likely have a hard time breathing and other lung-related problems. You might need to take a special inhaler that helps your lungs function properly.
Does Your Family Have Hereditary COPD?
People with a rare genetic disorder called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency are at high risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung damage. The disease causes emphysema and is one of the most common fatal hereditary lung conditions in Ireland, after cystic fibrosis.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a protein made by the liver that protects the lungs from inflammation caused by cigarette smoke and other irritants. It also helps prevent a faulty immune system from damaging the lungs.
A deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin can cause emphysema in adults and infants. It’s also linked to other lung diseases, such as asthma.
Symptoms of emphysema include:
Your lungs can’t heal from emphysema, so your treatment is focused on preventing further lung damage and maximizing the function of your healthy lungs. This includes medications, breathing treatments and oxygen therapy.
Some people with severe emphysema may need lung transplantation. This is a serious surgery that can be done at a few medical centers, especially for people younger than 60 years and who have moderate symptoms.
Emphysema is a type of COPD that can develop after exposure to environmental tobacco smoke or workplace chemicals. Likely can occur at any age, but it typically begins in midlife.
In some cases likely to affect more men than women. It is more common in people who live alone and are older than 30 years.
If your family has a history of emphysema, ask your doctor about testing for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. This is a good way to reduce your chances of developing COPD.
Is emphysema contagious?
Does emphysema spread from person to person?
In most cases, emphysema doesn’t spread from one person to the other. A person with emphysema can’t pass it to anyone else, even if they have an infection that causes bronchitis.
Yes, cigarette smoke can cause emphysema. But it can also develop when someone is exposed to air pollution or other toxic fumes, or if they have a genetic (inherited) condition that makes them more likely to get emphysema.
If you’re diagnosed with emphysema, your doctor will start treatment right away. This includes breathing exercises, medications to help your lungs function better, and lifestyle changes that can improve your quality of life.
Symptoms of emphysema include shortness of breath when you are active or trying to relax, coughing, and a tight chest. You may also have increased production of mucus, and feel tired.
Your doctor will use a test called forced expiratory volume in 1 second, or FEV1, to see how much air your lungs can take in and out. If your FEV1 is 80% or higher, you have mild emphysema.
A doctor will also look at your lungs for other signs of emphysema, such as a shortened or barrel-chested appearance and large spaces in your lungs. Your doctor might also recommend oxygen therapy, which can make breathing more comfortable. In most cases, emphysema can be controlled by quitting smoking and other changes in your lifestyle. Your doctor will work with you to create a healthcare plan that helps you live longer, healthier lives.
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