Emphysema is an abnormal condition of the lungs. It belongs to a group of conditions called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

• Emphysema develops gradually over years. Many people attribute the changes in their breathing to advanced age and tend to ignore it.

• Eventually, however, there is increased shortness of breath, not relieved by sitting upright, and a chronic cough. The shortness of breath is worse on exertion such as walking up a flight of stairs or eating a big meal. Breathing becomes harder and harder causing fatigue, weakness, and weight loss.

• These symptoms are what usually prompt a visit to the doctor.

• Emphysema can be caused by chronic bronchitis and chronic irritation to the lungs by dust, pollution, and cigarette smoking.

• This chronic irritation causes the tiny air sacs in the lungs to loose their elasticity and become distended.

• Air gets inhaled but cannot get out, becoming trapped in the air sacs.

• There is no cure for emphysema but there are numerous treatments that can help relieve the shortness of breath. Breathing treatments called Intermittent Positive-Pressure Breathing can be done at home with a small machine.

• These treatments help loosen phlegm as does drinking plenty of fluids, especially water.

• Medications called Bronchodilators are used to reduce inflammation in the lungs, helping the lungs to work better.

• Smoking cessation and avoiding cigarette or cigar smoke is an absolute must.

• Eating a healthy, balanced meal will keep weight up which in turn strengthens the muscles of the chest used for breathing.

• Mild exercise will also accomplish this too.

• Any respiratory infection, no matter how slight, should be reported to the physician immediately to ward off a major problem such as pneumonia.

If You have Emphysema, here are some tips on how to avoid tiring easily:

1. Avoid rushing by planning your day carefully.

2. Spread you activities out over the day.

3. Rest between activities.

4. Practice deep breathing regularly, at least every 2 hours while you are awake. Use your abdominal muscles. Breathe out with your lips pursed. Breathing out should last twice as long as breathing in.

5. Use deep breathing while performing any active movement, such as sweeping or mopping, or with any activity that causes you to raise your arms, such as lifting packages or combing your hair.

For more information contact the American Lung Association at webmaster@lungusa.org.