Emphysema – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Guide in Thane
Emphysema is a chronic lung condition where the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs become damaged and lose their elasticity.
This makes it difficult for the lungs to expel air, causing breathlessness, chest tightness, and reduced oxygen supply to the body.
It is a major component of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and requires timely evaluation and long-term care.
🔍 What Happens in Emphysema?
In healthy lungs, tiny air sacs expand and contract normally during breathing.
In emphysema:
- The air sacs become weak and enlarged
- The walls between them get destroyed
- Less oxygen reaches the bloodstream
- Lungs become over-inflated
- Breathing becomes difficult and tiring
This condition progresses over time, especially without treatment.
⚠️ Causes & Risk Factors
✔ 1. Smoking (Most Common Cause)
Cigarette smoking damages lung tissue and is responsible for 90% of emphysema cases.
✔ 2. Long-Term Exposure to Irritants
- Air pollution
- Chemical fumes
- Industrial dust
- Second-hand smoke
✔ 3. Genetic Factors
A rare condition called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency increases risk even in non-smokers.
✔ 4. Aging
Lungs naturally lose elasticity with age.
🩺 Symptoms of Emphysema
Symptoms may develop gradually:
- Shortness of breath (especially on exertion)
- Chronic cough
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Fatigue
- Recurrent lung infections
- Weight loss in advanced cases
If untreated, symptoms worsen over time.
🧪 Diagnosis of Emphysema
🔬 1. Physical Examination
Doctor checks breathing sounds and chest expansion.
🫁 2. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT)
Measures lung capacity and airflow.
🩻 3. Chest X-Ray
Shows hyperinflated lungs.
🖥 4. CT Scan Chest
Most accurate test to detect tissue damage.
🫀 5. Blood Oxygen Test
Checks oxygen level and need for supplemental support.
💊 Treatment for Emphysema
Although lung damage cannot be reversed, symptoms can be controlled to improve quality of life.
✔ 1. Medications
- Bronchodilators
- Steroid inhalers
- Mucolytics
- Antibiotics (if infection)
✔ 2. Oxygen Therapy
For moderate to severe emphysema with low oxygen levels.
✔ 3. Breathing Exercises
Pulmonary rehabilitation helps strengthen lung function.
✔ 4. Lifestyle Changes
- Complete smoking cessation
- Regular exercise
- Healthy protein-rich diet
- Avoid polluted environments
✔ 5. Vaccinations
Helps prevent infections that worsen lung damage:
- Influenza vaccine
- Pneumonia vaccine
✔ 6. Surgery (Severe Cases)
- Lung volume reduction surgery
- Bullectomy
- Rarely lung transplant
⚠️ When to See a Doctor Urgently
Seek immediate medical care if you experience:
- Worsening breathlessness
- Chest pain
- Blue lips or fingers
- High fever
- Persistent cough with phlegm
- Inability to perform daily activities
These may indicate severe lung deterioration or infection.
👨⚕️ Why Consult Dr. Ankur Bhanushali?
- Expert in diagnosis of chronic lung-related abdominal complications
- Access to advanced imaging & specialist referral network
- Comprehensive assessment of breathlessness, chest discomfort & abdominal-lung overlap symptoms
- Same-day evaluation for emergencies
- Holistic management with lifestyle & medication guidance
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(UNCHANGED – EXACT FORMAT AS PROVIDED)
🏥 Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic
Shop No 4, Laxmi Krupa, Edulji Road, Charai, Thane West – 400602
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🏥 Aayush Multispecialty Hospital
👨⚕️ Dr. Ankur Bhanushali – General & Laparoscopic Surgeon
1st Floor, Marigold Apartment, Almeda Road, Panch Pakhdi, Thane West – 400602
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