Bullous emphysema is a chronic lung disease in which large cavities called bullae form in the lung tissue.
Reasons for development:
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Smoking is the main cause of the development of bullous emphysema. Long-term smoking causes damage to lung tissue.
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Heredity - genetic predisposition may contribute to the development of the disease.
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Deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin, a substance that protects the lungs.
Symptoms:
- Shortness of breath on exertion
- Cough with sputum production
- Feeling short of air
- Chest pain
Diagnosis is based on:
- Physical examination
- X-rays or CT scans of the chest reveal bullae
- External respiration function testing - detects pulmonary ventilation disorders
Treatment:
- To give up smoking
- Drug therapy with bronchodilators and inhaled glucocorticoids
- Oxygen therapy for respiratory failure
- Surgical treatment - removal of bullae
In general, with timely diagnosis and proper treatment, the prognosis for bullous emphysema can be relatively favorable. The main thing is to quit smoking and take medications regularly.