I have been diagnosed with emphysema. What is it and what can I do to prevent further episodes?
Conventional remedy
The tiny air sacs in the lungs are where oxygen is passed into the blood stream, and carbon dioxide is passed from the blood stream into the lungs to be expelled from the body as a waste product. If the air sacs are damaged, they do not function correctly and the lungs find it difficult to get the normal supply of oxygen to the body.
In emphysema, the elastic tissue in the air sacs is affected. Emphysema is usually caused by an irritant, such as fumes or dust, but the most common cause is cigarette smoke.
When cigarette smoke is inhaled, it irritates the lung tissue, increasing mucus production. Over time, the mucus and tar from the cigarettes clog the tubes, causing chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Shortness of breath, cough, difficulty clearing the chest and tiredness are all common symptoms of emphysema. People with emphysema are more prone to chest infections, which can lead to pneumonia. In severe cases, emphysema can cause heart and respiratory failure.
This condition requires both self treatment and medical treatment. As part of self treatment, you should give up smoking and avoid irritants such as dust, paint or varnish fumes and smoke. Avoid people with colds and chest infections and keep physically active. Medical treatment involves going for regular check-ups and using a bronchodilator spray and antibiotics when you get a chest infection if your chest feels tight and you have difficulty breathing. Annual influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations are also important.
Dr Muiris Houston
Alternative remedy
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can successfully treat emphysema as it treats the underlying cause of the disease while also strengthening the lung function.
In TCM the distension of the bronchioles and the loss of elasticity in the lungs is due to phlegm - both the product and the cause of the disease, as disruption of the body's fluid metabolism can result in phlegm. The causes of such disruption includes external pathogens (e.g. a cold, flu), stress, bad eating habits, unhealthy food and extremes in emotions. If the lung energy (known in TCM as "qi") is affected by phlegm, it cannot transport the body fluids, resulting in wheezing and shortness of breath. The lungs are "the master of qi" and play a vital role in dispersing energy throughout the body. The disruption of this function can affect the spleen, the kidneys and the heart. Thus, the lungs' inability to control fluids can result in frequent urination, excess salivation, dry throat, constipation, cold hands and feet, insomnia, palpitations and oedema.
Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of sterilised needles into points on the body which restore lung energy and resolve phlegm. Herbs used to treat this condition include liquorice and ginger and cinnamon. Sufferers should stop smoking and improve their diet.
Amanda Hughes, Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner. The Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Organisation Tel: 01-6794216