Emphysema Health Article

Prognosis

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

Health care team roles

Many members of the health care team may treat the patient with emphysema. The patient usually seeks help from a physician first, who will make the diagnosis. In the course of the diagnostic workup, x-ray technicians and respiratory therapists may treat the patient. The nurse plays an important role in assessing the patient, administering medications, in teaching the patient how best to cope with and understand the disease, and—in some cases—provides home care. The physical therapist may assist the patient to find ways of increasing their strength and activity tolerance.

Prevention

The best way to prevent emphysema is to avoid smoking. Even patients with inherited emphysema should avoid smoking, as it hastens onset and worsens severity of the disease. 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. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, 17^th 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>.

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

Deanna M. Swartout-Corbeil, R.N.