Respiratory system >>>> How does emphysema develop?
How does emphysema develop?
Chronic diseases of the respiratory system (bronchitis, asthma), smoking leads to disruption of the work of the alveoli in the lung tissue, the alveoli eventually lose their elasticity and, as a result of overstretching and lack of contractile function, stop removing air masses during exhalation. Thus, when inhaling, the alveoli stretch, filling with oxygen-containing air, and in the absence of collapse, they cannot release the lungs from carbon dioxide. Most often, emphysema develops in all pulmonary alveoli, but there are cases of focal development of emphysema, when some parts of the lung suffer from hyperextension. Such foci are called bullae, and emphysema is called bullous. The danger of bullous emphysema lies in the high risk of overstretching and rupture of the alveoli, injecting air masses into the lungs and getting them into the pleural cavity (pneumothorax).
The development of bullous emphysema can lead to occupational diseases of the lungs, tuberculosis, fungal lesions of the lungs.
Diagnosis of emphysema is carried out by auscultation (wheezing is heard), X-ray of the lungs, computed tomography, blood test for the ratio of carbon dioxide and oxygen.
External signs of pulmonary emphysema:
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty exhaling
- Swelling of the veins in the neck
- Cyanosis (blue nasolabial triangle).
Bullous emphysema is treated by laparoscopic removal of areas of damaged pulmonary alveoli. The following is a special breathing exercise, oxygen inhalation.
A completely damaged lung can be removed.
Prevention of emphysema consists in the prevention and timely correct treatment of diseases of the respiratory system, rejection of harmful working conditions associated with volatile hazardous substances, ceramic, gypsum dust, construction dust, smoking cessation.
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