Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Emphysema
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Treatment & Monitoring
What are the treatments for the disease?
WHO has identified four components for management of emphysema. These include the following:
Assessment and monitoring
Assessment and monitoring of the disease incorporates the following steps:
Reducing risk factors
Reducing the person's risk factors includes the following measures:
Managing stable emphysema
Management of stable emphysema includes the following:
WHO recommendations for management of emphysema are broken down by the severity of the disease. Following are the recommendations for Stage 0 emphysema:
Recommendations for Stage I emphysema are the same as those for Stage 0. In addition, people with Stage I emphysema should use short-acting bronchodilators as needed. Bronchodilators relieve cough and shortness of breath by opening the airways. In general, WHO recommends inhaled bronchodilators rather than oral medications.
Recommendations for Stage II emphysema include the recommendations from Stage I. The following additional measures are recommended for times when symptoms are present.
WHO recommendations for Stage III emphysema are as follows:
Managing worsening symptoms.
People with emphysema may have worsening, or exacerbation, of symptoms when they develop a respiratory infection. Symptoms may also be worsened by cigarette smoke, as well as other factors. Following are WHO guidelines for management of exacerbations.
If a person has alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, or is a carrier, it is absolutely critical to avoid smoking. Intravenous replacement of the enzyme helps some people, but it is quite expensive.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Bronchodilators may cause an increased heart rate and blood pressure. Oral glucocorticosteroids can cause increased risk for infection, high blood glucose, and osteoporosis. Antibiotics can cause rash, stomach upset, and allergic reaction.
What happens after treatment for the disease?
Early diagnosis of emphysema and effective treatment can slow its progression. People who eliminate risk factors and follow treatment guidelines have better outcomes. Those who continue to smoke may be increasingly disabled by breathing problems and complications of emphysema.
How is the disease monitored?
Emphysema is monitored through regular visits with the healthcare provider. Lung function tests can be used to monitor limitations in airflow. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.