History | 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 of emphysema is mainly characterized by a smoker’s cough and slight difficulty in breathing, for example after climbing stairs. If no therapy is started, these symptoms become more severe over time until permanent oxygen long-term therapy and advanced symptoms such as the fast-thorax are reached. The disease can lead to acute or chronic complications that worsen the course and advance the disease. Life expectancy is also significantly reduced depending on the course of the disease.

Life expectancy

Already a COPD as Folgeerkrankung of many years smoking reduces the general life expectancy by approximately seven years. If emphysema sets in as a result, the prognosis statistically deteriorates. However, the progression of the disease can be slowed down if therapy is started immediately.The general life expectancy depends strongly on the success of the therapy.

The quality of life can be effectively improved and complications can be avoided. Especially the secondary diseases of the cardiovascular system can be prevented with a consequent treatment. In severe genetic forms of emphysema caused by enzyme deficiency, life expectancy is significantly reduced when the disease occurs at a young age.

Complications

The disease can become acutely worse if exacerbation occurs. The alveoli can also burst. This can cause air to enter the gap between the lung and pleura, causing the lung to collapse.

Doctors refer to this as pneumothorax, which is an emergency and should be treated immediately. Severe infections of the lungs, which are promoted during the disease, can take on a life-threatening course. Long-term complications and secondary diseases affect the cardiovascular system.

The functionality of the lungs is impaired and the high pressure caused by over-inflation leads to an enormous strain on the heart. A so-called “cor pulmonale” and right heart failure (right heart failure) are the consequences.