What Can Be Done for Emphysema?

QUESTION: I've been told I have a moderate case of emphysema. What can be
done for me?
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ANSWER: Emphysema is one disease that leads to chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease, or COPD. It is caused by a loss of elasticity in the air tubes and
air sacs that make up the lungs. This lack of elasticity means that the lungs
become permanently distended and cannot force air out with each breath to
allow new air in. The lungs have become like stretched-out rubber balloons.
The main symptoms of emphysema is breathlessness, especially on exertion.
Most cases of emphysema are caused by smoking or exacerbated by it.
Like many diseases, emphysema can be severe, or, as in your case,
moderate or mild. Unfortunately, emphysema is irreversible; the best that can
be done is to try to keep it from progressing. The first step is, if you
smoke, stop immediately. Your physician can recommend smoking cessation
programs for you.
Because of your condition, you should also try to avoid catching colds or
respiratory diseases. You're a prime candidate for an anti-influenza vaccine
shot.
Emphysema can be treated with drugs called bronchodilators, which as
their name implies dilate the bronchial tubes to allow easier breathing. Some
of these drugs can be inhaled from metered dose "puffers," while others are
taken as oral medications. Many patients with emphysema take oral
theophylline in addition to an inhaled bronchodilator.