Lung (pulmonary) emphysema is a chronic lung disease often caused by the exposure to toxic chemicals or by long-term cigarette smoking. Lung emphysema together with chronic bronchitis is classified among the so-called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases. Approximately 8% of the Czech population suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
In lung emphysema, accumulation of air in the alveoli leads to tearing of the inter-alveolar partitions (septa). This state is irreversible. Emphysema is usually the consequence of untreated chronic bronchitis.
Symptoms
The main manifestation of chronic bronchitis is chronic cough. If chronic bronchitis lasts too long, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease develops and dyspnoea appears. At first, dyspnoea manifests only on exertion, but later it appears at rest- the lung respiratory capacity decreases. Due to the decreased amount of oxygen in blood, the skin and mucosa may be bluish (cyanosis). In advanced stages, there is usually loss of weight and overall wasting. Deterioration of blood flow through the lungs leads to overload of the right heart ventricle and its failure. Every infection of the respiratory tract may lead to the sudden aggravation of the chronic state.
Causes
The main cause of lung emphysema is the smoking of cigarettes. Other risk factors include recurrent acute infections of the respiratory tract, and the negative effects of the work environment and living environment.
Prevention
The basic prerequisite for avoiding lung emphysema is not to smoke and not to reside in a smoke-filled and dusty environment.
Treatment
Irreversible damage of the septa (partitions) cannot be treated. Very severe cases may be resolved only surgically. Common pharmaco-therapy must always go hand in hand with an overall change in lifestyle. One must stop smoking and, if possible, stop residing or working in a dusty environment. Respiratory exercises are another important component of therapy.
How can GenScan reveal the risk of developing lung emphysema?
GenScan analyses those genes that participate in the liquidation of toxic substances originating not only from cigarette smoke.