Emphysema is not contagious. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and slowing disease progression, including medication, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease primarily associated with long-term smoking, air pollution, and occupational dust exposure, leading to alveolar wall destruction, decreased lung elasticity, and ultimately, emphysema.
1. Drug therapy is an important part of emphysema management. Commonly used drugs include bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, and expectorants. Bronchodilators such as salmeterol and formoterol can relieve airway spasm and improve dyspnea; inhaled corticosteroids such as budesonide can reduce airway inflammation; expectorants such as ambroxol help to clear sputum and reduce the risk of infection.
2. Oxygen therapy is suitable for patients with severe emphysema, especially when blood oxygen saturation is below 90%. Long-term home oxygen therapy can improve quality of life and reduce complications. Oxygen therapy equipment includes portable oxygen cylinders and oxygen concentrators; the appropriate method should be chosen based on the doctor's advice.
3. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a comprehensive non-pharmacological treatment method that includes breathing training, exercise, and nutritional guidance. Breathing training, such as diaphragmatic breathing and pursed-lip breathing, can enhance respiratory muscle function; exercise, such as walking and cycling, can improve cardiorespiratory endurance; and nutritional guidance emphasizes a balanced diet to avoid being underweight or overweight.
Treatment for emphysema requires long-term management. Patients should quit smoking, avoid exposure to harmful gases and dust, have regular follow-ups, and adjust their treatment plans as needed. Through comprehensive intervention, emphysema patients can effectively control their symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve their quality of life.