Emphysema

Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that makes it hard to breathe. Tyler Internal Medicine Associates P.A. in Tyler and Lindale, Texas, provides expert care for people with emphysema. The internal medicine providers have advanced training to diagnose and treat complex health conditions like emphysema. Call the nearest office or schedule an appointment online today.

What does emphysema feel like?

Emphysema is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. This may make you feel short of breath and tired. Emphysema also causes persistent coughing.

Emphysema occurs when there’s damage to the walls of the alveoli, which are the sacs in the lungs that fill up with air when you breathe in. The alveoli sacs stretch when you breathe in and relax when you breathe out, and assist in exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the blood.

With emphysema, the sacs are damaged and can no longer expand and contract when you breathe in and out, making it harder for your lungs to take in oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide.

I’m a former smoker. Am I at risk of emphysema?

A history of smoking is one of the primary causes of emphysema. However, prolonged exposure to any lung irritant may cause damage leading to the chronic lung condition, such as air pollution at home or work.

Some people also have a genetic predisposition for emphysema. A lung infection may also damage the alveoli, making it harder to breathe in and out. 

What tests diagnose emphysema?

When you visit Tyler Internal Medicine Associates P.A. with concerns about breathing, your provider conducts a thorough history and physical to determine the cause. They ask detailed questions about your symptoms and medical history.

They also ask about your family history and exposure to lung irritants.

Tyler Internal Medicine Associates P.A. performs lung function tests to evaluate how well your lungs work and take imaging tests of your lungs to confirm or rule out emphysema.

What treatments help manage emphysema?

Emphysema is a chronic, progressive condition. Treatment for the lung disease centers around controlling symptoms and delaying complications.

Your provider at Tyler Internal Medicine Associates P.A. customizes your treatment plan based on the severity of your disease. Treatment for emphysema may include:

• Smoking cessation
• Bronchodilators to relax airway muscles
• Vaccines to protect from infections
• Oxygen therapy
• Pulmonary rehabilitation (exercise, nutrition, disease management training)

In some cases, health care providers may recommend surgery to remove the diseased part of the lungs when medical interventions fail to improve symptoms.

Emphysema is a chronic disease that requires expert medical management. Call Tyler Internal Medicine Associates P.A. or schedule a consultation using the online booking form today.