Infazema (correct spelling is emphysema) is a lung condition that affects the small air sacs (alveoli) that let oxygen pass into and carbon dioxide pass out of the lungs. The disease is caused by the alveoli walls breaking down, meaning less oxygen can get into the lungs.
Because less oxygen can get into the body, there is less blood carried to the vital organs of the body including the heart and liver. Additionally, as there is less space for any waste products to get out of the air sacs, this means that more carbon dioxide gas is kept in the bloodstream when it really should be expelled by the body as waste.
It is a condition that is usually associated with chronic bronchitis as the latter sees the air passage into the lungs reduced due to the bronchial tubes swelling and going into spasm. In fact, most people who have emphysema also have chronic bronchitis. With emphysema, sufferers may find that their air tubes actually collapse when breathing out. This may be prevented by breathing in through the nose and then out through pursed lips.
If the condition worsens, sufferers may find it more difficult to breathe independently and may have to wear an oxygen mask. This will prevent blueness of the skin, or cyanosis, for a while however it is likely to occur eventually.
The main contributing factor is smoking and the best way to avoid contracting the disease is to give up.
Unfortunately, the condition cannot be cured as the lung tissue that has been damaged cannot be replaced. Some forms of treatment may include wearing a nasal mask as part of non-invasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV). Other treatments may include surgery to remove the most affected parts of the lungs and taking antibiotics to control the infection or to widen the bronchi.
Because less oxygen can get into the body, there is less blood carried to the vital organs of the body including the heart and liver. Additionally, as there is less space for any waste products to get out of the air sacs, this means that more carbon dioxide gas is kept in the bloodstream when it really should be expelled by the body as waste.
It is a condition that is usually associated with chronic bronchitis as the latter sees the air passage into the lungs reduced due to the bronchial tubes swelling and going into spasm. In fact, most people who have emphysema also have chronic bronchitis. With emphysema, sufferers may find that their air tubes actually collapse when breathing out. This may be prevented by breathing in through the nose and then out through pursed lips.
If the condition worsens, sufferers may find it more difficult to breathe independently and may have to wear an oxygen mask. This will prevent blueness of the skin, or cyanosis, for a while however it is likely to occur eventually.
The main contributing factor is smoking and the best way to avoid contracting the disease is to give up.
Unfortunately, the condition cannot be cured as the lung tissue that has been damaged cannot be replaced. Some forms of treatment may include wearing a nasal mask as part of non-invasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV). Other treatments may include surgery to remove the most affected parts of the lungs and taking antibiotics to control the infection or to widen the bronchi.
