Patients with emphysema can relieve symptoms by using bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory drugs, and expectorants. These medications help improve respiratory function, reduce inflammation, and promote sputum expectoration. Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease primarily caused by long-term smoking, air pollution, or genetic factors, leading to damage to the alveolar walls and impaired gas exchange.
1. Bronchodilators are the foundation of emphysema treatment, relaxing airway smooth muscle, dilating bronchi, and improving airflow limitation. Commonly used drugs include salmeterol, formoterol, and ipratropium bromide. Salmeterol and formoterol are long-acting β2-receptor agonists with a duration of action exceeding 12 hours, suitable for long-term symptom control. Ipratropium bromide is an anticholinergic drug suitable for rapid relief during acute exacerbations.
2. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), can reduce airway inflammation and decrease the risk of acute exacerbations. Commonly used drugs include budesonide, fluticasone, and beclomethasone. These drugs are often used in combination with long-acting bronchodilators, such as budesonide/formoterol combination preparations, for more effective symptom control.
3. Expectorants such as ambroxol and acetylcysteine can help thin sputum, promote expectoration, and reduce airway obstruction. Ambroxol increases the water content of respiratory secretions, making sputum easier to cough up. Acetylcysteine reduces sputum viscosity by breaking down mucoproteins in the sputum.
Treatment for emphysema requires long-term management. Medication is only one part of the treatment; patients should also quit smoking, avoid air pollution, undergo pulmonary rehabilitation training, and have regular follow-up appointments. Through comprehensive treatment, symptoms can be effectively relieved, quality of life improved, and disease progression slowed.