Insular pulmonary emphysema: causes, symptoms and treatment
Insular pulmonary emphysema (e. pulmonum insulare) is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This medical term describes a condition in which lung tissue breaks down, forming small "islands" that become less elastic and free to exchange gases normally. Insular emphysema usually develops as a result of long-term smoking, but can also be caused by other factors such as genetic predisposition and long-term exposure of the lungs to harmful substances.
Causes:
The main cause of the development of islet emphysema is tobacco smoking. Toxic substances contained in tobacco smoke cause inflammation and damage to the walls of small air bubbles (alveoli), which are responsible for the exchange of gases. As a result of damage, the alveoli become less elastic and lose their ability to expand and contract normally during breathing.
Symptoms:
The main symptoms of islet emphysema are:
- Difficulty breathing: Patients may experience a feeling of shortness of breath and a feeling of tightness in the chest.
- Chronic cough: The cough may be dry or with little mucus.
- Fatigue: Due to limited lung function, patients may become tired quickly even when performing simple physical activities.
- Increased sensitivity to respiratory tract infections: Due to changes in the structure of the lung tissue, patients with islet emphysema have an increased risk of developing infections.
Treatment:
Although insular emphysema has no cure, there are treatments that can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease:
- Quitting smoking: This is the most important step you can take to prevent further deterioration of your lung condition. Quitting smoking can slow the progression of emphysema and improve the patient's general condition.
- Drug therapy: Your doctor may prescribe medications to improve lung function, relieve inflammation, and widen the airways.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation: Specialists may provide physical therapy and recommend exercises to strengthen the breathing muscles and improve the patient's overall physical endurance.
- Oxygen therapy: If your lung function has significantly deteriorated, your doctor may prescribe oxygen therapy to help you breathe easier and reduce feelings of fatigue.
- Surgery: In rare cases, when insular emphysema is severe and does not respond to conservative treatment, surgical removal of the affected areas of the lungs or a lung transplant may be necessary.
It is important to note that insular emphysema is a progressive disease, and early referral to a doctor for diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and improve the patient's quality of life.
In conclusion, pulmonary insular emphysema is a chronic disease associated with long-term smoking and other factors. Understanding the causes, symptoms and treatments of this condition is important to prevent its development and manage its effects. Smoking cessation, drug therapy, and physical therapy are the main treatments that help patients manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. It is important to get timely medical attention and regularly follow your doctor's recommendations to achieve the best results in managing islet emphysema.