Emphysema - one form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, causes irreversible increase in the alveolar space. Such change of the structure of the lung may be caused by many reasons fundamentally different nature - by smoking duration to other lung diseases (in particular, are quite common cases of emphysema with chronic bronchitis).

Emphysema - a disease caused by a gradual and progressive combination of factors of different nature. One of the main causes of emphysema - changes in the lungs caused by other diseases (for example, airway obstruction in chronic bronchitis Bronchitis - protection if the body has malfunctioned Which leads to a chronic stretching of alveoli). Another important factor influencing the development of emphysema, is a toxic effect on the lungs, depleting substances - from entering the lungs to tobacco smoke, dust, micro particles of minerals by inhalation of contaminated air into the lungs causes the accumulation of harmful substances, gradually destroying the structure of the lungs from the inside.

Symptoms

One of the first symptoms of emphysema, appearing at an early stage of the disease - shortness of breath, cause irreversible lung damage, in some cases accompanied by a cough. Unlike other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (e.g., chronic bronchitis), eczema light is not always accompanied by cough. Because of severe shortness of breath the patient often is unable to perform simple physical exercises Myths about exercise: do not believe   - Any physical activity leads to a worsening of dyspnea. Progressive pulmonary emphysema and may cause a distinct change in the chest, which expands in the volume becomes "barrel-shaped" area above the clavicles vybuhayut.

Further, emphysema may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

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• Heart problems
• Unexplained weight loss
• Constant fatigue

The medicine can help

To confirm the diagnosis of emphysema and used X-ray computed tomography. Such diagnostic methods can detect an increase in the total amount of light, recognize the signs of the destruction of normal lung structures. Computed tomography is considered the most accurate method of diagnosis of emphysema, allowing you to identify the disease at an early stage of development up to the localization degree of emphysema and lung disease.

For the treatment of emphysema or applied conservative methods similar to the methods of treatment of other chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or surgical methods - in severe cases (with focal emphysema) may be applied resection of damaged areas of the lung. The complex of measures aimed at slowing the development of the disease and prevention of complications caused by emphysema include:

• rehabilitation therapy (including breathing exercises, "amplifying" the work of the diaphragm during breathing, which helps to get rid of lung damage caused by shortness of breath)
• oxygen therapy
• in some cases - non-invasive ventilation

A very important aspect of the treatment of emphysema - limiting the influence of the factors contributing to the state of the lungs: the confirmation of the diagnosis is necessary to stop smoking, limit time spent in polluted, dusty places. Because the lung damage caused by emphysema, making the body more vulnerable to various kinds of infections of the respiratory tract, the development of emphysema in the background bronchopulmonary infection concomitant treatment with antibiotics is required Antibiotics - whether they will help you in the foreseeable future? . Relief of any respiratory disease at an early stage when emphysema is fast becoming an imperative because of the vulnerability of the damaged lung infection can easily become chronic.

Unfortunately, most conservative methods of treatment of emphysema has a relatively low efficiency - because, unlike other obstructive lung diseases such as bronchitis, emphysema, causes irreversible changes in the structure of the lung.

Pneumothorax - a condition in which the lungs in the pleural cavity accumulates air. Easy, uncomplicated pneumothorax can quickly go without treatment. In more serious cases, to facilitate the patient's condition requires professional help

Symptoms

The most common signs and symptoms of pneumothorax:

• Chest pain. Sudden, sharp pain from lung damage, which becomes stronger when inhaled or exhaled air;
• Dyspnea can be mild or severe, depending on the severity of pneumothorax and associated diseases.

Contact your doctor immediately if you develop any breathing problems. Symptoms are similar to the symptoms of pneumothorax may be many other diseases, and they all require prompt diagnosis and treatment. If the pain is very intense and / or more difficult breathing, call an ambulance.

Causes

The reasons for pneumothorax may include:

• Stab or gunshot wounds;
• Blunt trauma, such as obtained by impact or a car accident;
• Damage resulting from normal operation of the airbag in the vehicle;
• Broken ribs, a punctured lung that can;
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
• Lung biopsy, which was carried out through the chest wall;
• Emphysema;
• Tuberculosis;
• Pneumonia;
• Cystic fibrosis;
• Lung cancer;
• Fibrotic lung disease
• Sarcoidosis.

Some people, especially the very high and thin, to easily form small bubbles. The reason of occurrence is unknown, in and of themselves they do not indicate any disease and usually not dangerous for humans. But in some cases, most often - when diving and during their stay at high altitude, they burst, causing pneumothorax.

Severe pneumothorax can develop in people who require mechanical ventilation. The action of the fan may create an imbalance of air pressure within the thorax. This can lead to severe pneumothorax, a collapsed lung and cardiac malfunction. Without timely treatment of a pneumothorax can result in death of the patient.

Risk factors

Factors that increase the chance of developing pneumothorax:

• Paul. Pneumothorax is much more common in men than in women.
• Smoking. The risk becomes higher the longer a person smokes and more.
• Age. Type of pneumothorax associated with the rupture of bubbles, particularly frequent in age from 20 to 40 years, particularly in very tall people with low weight.
• Genetics. The tendency to develop certain forms of pneumothorax, apparently inherited.

Lung disease. The presence of certain diseases, especially such as emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis Sarcoidosis - how to protect themselves?   and cystic fibrosis Cystic fibrosis: early diagnosis - the key to recovery It increases the risk of pneumothorax.

Pneumothorax in a personal history increases the risk of recurrence of pneumothorax, usually within one or two years after the first episode.

Complications

Possible complications of pneumothorax caused by injury or illness:

• Relapse;
• Constant air leakage. For the treatment of this complication may be needed surgery.

Complications of severe pneumothorax may include:

• Low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxemia);
• Cardiac arrest;
• Respiratory failure;
• Shock.

Pneumothorax diagnosed usually by a chest X-ray. In some cases, to get a more detailed images, computed tomography is required.

Treatment

In milder cases of pneumothorax may only need bed rest and medical supervision - as long as the air in the pleural cavity is not completely absorbed.

In the case of pneumothorax large excess air is removed from the pleural cavity using a syringe and a hollow needle - almost as well as taking blood from a vein. Sometimes administered to the lung drainage tube attached to a special device, which sucks air from the lung within a few hours or days.

If these measures do not help to cope with pneumothorax, you may need surgery. In most cases, conduct minimally invasive surgery - make small incisions and uses a fiber-optic device with a camera on the end. Rarely, with significant air leakage, a more invasive surgery.