Definition The term grasping thorax describes an altered form of the bony thorax (thorax), in which the chest appears too short and wide. Thus the thorax resembles a barrel, which explains the term barrel thorax. Anatomy of the grasping thorax In a barrel thorax, the thorax is shortened and wider compared to the normal thorax … Barrel thorax
Pulmonary emphysema In pulmonary emphysema, the lungs are over-inflated because the inhaled air is trapped at the end of the airways in the form of emphysema bubbles and cannot be exhaled again. In most cases, the cause is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which affects smokers in 90% of cases. Chronic inflammation leads to narrowing … Pulmonary emphysema | Barrel thorax
Therapy Also with regard to therapy, it should be remembered that a grasping thorax is not a disease in itself but merely a symptom. If emphysema is the cause, the changes in the lungs are irreversible, i.e. irreversible. However, the progression of the disease can be slowed down by giving up smoking and bronchodilator medication. … Therapy | Barrel thorax
Definition Pulmonary emphysema is the over-inflation of the alveoli. Lung emphysema often occurs as a result of long-term, chronic lung diseases. The fine pulmonary alveoli, the so-called “alveoli”, are separated from each other by thin walls. The walls between the alveoli are also involved in squeezing air out of the lungs during exhalation. As a … Pulmonary emphysema
Symptoms The air trapped in the lungs cannot be fully exhaled due to the absence of the alveolar walls. It is not enriched with sufficient oxygen and does not participate in the regular air exchange of the lungs. The section of the lung affected by emphysema is therefore not functional. The immediate consequence is an … Symptoms | Pulmonary emphysema
History The course of the disease can vary from patient to patient. The disease cannot be cured, but it can be slowed down or stopped. In most cases, chronic lung diseases destroy the sensitive lung tissue over years or decades. The degree of the disease is determined by the symptoms, among other things. The onset … History | Pulmonary emphysema
