health

There is no cure for emphysema. Treatment is focused on slowing the
progress of the disease and easing the patient’s symptoms. The first part
of treatment for patients who smoke is to quit the habit.

The next stage in treatment is the use of medications. The doctor
may prescribe one or more of the following types of drugs:

• Bronchodilators. Bronchodilators are drugs that work by
  opening up the airways, which allows for more efficient
  exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen. Some are taken in tablet
  form while others are dispensed in inhalers. Depending on the
  severity of the person’s emphysema, patients may use the inhaler
  only when needed for shortness of breath or they may take a
  dose of the medication at prescribed regular intervals.
  
• Steroids. This type of medication works by lowering the inflammation
  in the tissues lining the airways. These drugs can also be
  taken in pill form or through inhalers.
  
• Antibiotics. People who have infections in the lungs as well as
  emphysema may be given antibiotics to treat the infections.
  
• Oxygen. Patients who have severe attacks of emphysema may
  need to go to the hospital for oxygen therapy. There are also
  oxygen tanks that can be used in the home; some of these are
  portable units.

Emphysema is sometimes treated surgically. In some cases, part of
the diseased lung is removed. This procedure creates space for the
remaining portions of the lungs; it does improve breathing and quality
of life for some patients. Another surgical option is lung transplantation.
This is a risky procedure, however, and requires the patient to take medications
to prevent the rejection of the transplanted lung. In addition, not
everyone qualifies for transplantation, and those who do are limited by
the short supply of available organs.
Another important part of treatment for emphysema is called pulmonary
rehabilitation. It is aimed at educating patients about their disease
and helping them with lifestyle changes that will slow the
progression of the disease and improve quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation
includes a physical exercise program designed to improve the
patient’s physical endurance and energy level. Many patients are also
encouraged to lose weight in order to reduce the burden on their
lungs. One important benefit of pulmonary rehabilitation is psychological:
Patients report that their self-esteem and sense of control over
their life improve when they start to see benefits from the rehabilitation
program.