Emphysema Health Article

Alternative treatment

Many patients are interested in whether any alternative treatments for emphysema are available. Some practitioners recommend supplements of antioxidant nutrients. There have also been some studies indicating a correlation between a low Vitamin A levels and COPD, with suggestions that supplements of vitamin A might be beneficial. Aromatherapists have used essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, pine, and rosemary to help relieve nasal congestion and make breathing easier. The herb elecampane may act as an expectorant to help patients clear mucus from the lungs. The patient should discuss these remedies with their health care practitioner prior to trying them, as some may interact with the more traditional treatments that are already being used.

Prognosis

Emphysema is a serious and chronic disease that cannot be reversed. If detected early, the effects and progression can be slowed, particularly if the patient stops smoking immediately. Complications of emphysema include higher risks for pneumonia and acute bronchitis. Overall, the prognosis for patients with emphysema is poor, with a survival rate for all those with COPD of four years, and even less for emphysema. However, individual cases vary and many patients can live much longer with supplemental oxygen and other treatment measures.

Prevention

The best way to prevent emphysema is to avoid smoking. Even patients with inherited emphysema should avoid smoking, as it especially worsens the onset and severity. If patients quit smoking as soon as evidence of small airway obstruction begins, they can significantly improve their prognosis.

BOOKS

Beers, Mark H., and Robert Berkow, eds. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, 17th ed. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Company, Inc., 1999.

PERIODICALS

"Data Mounting on Merits of Lung Volume Reduction Surgery." Family Practice News (February 15, 2001): 5.

Lewis, Laurie. "Optimal Treatment for COPD." Patient Care (May 30, 2000): 60.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Lung Association. 1740 Broadway New York, NY 10019. (212) 315-8700. <http://www.lungusa.org>.

The National Emphysema Foundation. 15 Stevens St. Norwalk, CT 06856. <http://www.emphysemafoundation.org>.

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. <http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov>.

Deanna Swartout-Corbeil, RN

KEY TERMS

Alveoli—Small cells or cavities. In the lungs, these are air sacs where oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide is filtered out.

Pulmonary—Related to or associated with the lungs.