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Understanding Emphysema: Causes & Management

Emphysema is a chronic lung disease caused by destruction of the alveoli, or air sacs, in the lungs. This leads to abnormal enlargement of the air spaces in the lungs. The main types of emphysema are centrilobular, panlobular, and distal acinar emphysema. Cigarette smoking is the primary cause of emphysema. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, and barrel chest. Treatment involves bronchodilators, antibiotics, and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking. Surgery may be required in severe cases.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
135 views6 pages

Understanding Emphysema: Causes & Management

Emphysema is a chronic lung disease caused by destruction of the alveoli, or air sacs, in the lungs. This leads to abnormal enlargement of the air spaces in the lungs. The main types of emphysema are centrilobular, panlobular, and distal acinar emphysema. Cigarette smoking is the primary cause of emphysema. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, and barrel chest. Treatment involves bronchodilators, antibiotics, and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking. Surgery may be required in severe cases.

Uploaded by

Jubitta Joby
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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Emphysema

Definition
 Emphysema is defined as the impaired gas exchange resulting from the
destruction of the wall of alveoli.
 Emphysema is abnormal permanent enlargement of the air space distal
to the terminal bronchioles.
 Emphysema is a chronic, progressive disease of the lungs and occurs
when the alveolar walls are destroyed.
 Emphysema is a type of COPD, including excessive air in the terminal
bronchioles.

Types of Emphysema
1. Centrilobular emphysema - Emphysema mainly in the centre of
secondary lobules.

2. Pan lobular emphysema - It is a permanent destruction of the


entire acinus distal to the respiratory bronchioles.

3. Distal acinar emphysema - distal part of acinus is involved.

4. Irregular emphysema - The acini irregular involved.

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Cause
 Cigarette smoking
 Air pollution
 Older age ( more than 45 years )
 Sex ( generally in females )
 X, antigen deficiency
 COPD
 Allergens.

Pathophysiology
Cause / Smoking

Inflammation into alveoli

Deficiency of x, antitrypsin enzyme

Decrease antineoplastic activity of bronchioles or alveoli

Dilation of distal and terminal bronchioles.

Clinical manifestation
 Cough
 Shortness of breath
 Wheezing
 Barrel chest
 Chronic bronchitis
 Tachycardia
 Tachypnea
 Pursed lips breathing
 Tripod position

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 Cyanosis
 Respiratory acidosis
 Right ventricular failure
 Puff vasodilation
 Stress anxiety depression
 Spontaneous pneumothorax.

Diagnostic examination
 History collection and physical examination.
 Chest x ray.
 Arterial blood gas analysis.
 Pulmonary function test.
 Blood test- Increase WBC, increase ESR.
 CT scan and MRI.
 Monitor total lungs capacity.

Medical management
Pharmacological -

 Bronchodilators - Reduce airway obstruction.


 Anticholinergic Drug - Anti-inflammatory drugs
 Antibiotic Drug - for infection.
 Antitussive agents - suppress cough.
 Mucolytic agents - thickened mucus secretion.
 Nebulisations.

Complications
 Respiratory failure

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 Respiratory acidosis
 Atelectasis
 Pneumonia
 Pneumothorax.

Surgical management
 Segmental resection
 Lobectomy
 Pneumonectomy.

Nursing management
 Nurses monitor vital signs and respiratory problems.
 Provide appropriate position (high Fowler position).
 Administer oxygen ( 1-3 litre )
 Provide IV line medication and nebulization.
 Provide chest physiotherapy and postural drainage.
 Maintain patient NPO.
 Provide chest vibration therapy to loosen cough.
 Encourage deep breathing and coughing exercise.
 Pushliped breathing.
 Provide immunization.
 Maintain personal hygiene and provide proper nutrition.
 Administer all prescribed medication in Right manner.
 Nurse prepares the patient for surgical intervention.
 Nurses follow the barrier of nursing.

Key Points

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 Excessive air accumulates in the air sac - Emphysema.

 Emphysema is a disorder of - COPD.

 Common cause of emphysema - Cigarette Smoking.

 Common finding seen in emphysema patients - Barrel Chest.

 Most common type of emphysema - Centrilobular Emphysema.

 Which part of lungs affect centrilobular emphysema -


Respiratory bronchioles.

 Tiny air sacs in the lungs called - Alveoli

 Treatment of X1 - antigen - Prolastin.

 Which age group commonly affected by emphysema - Older


Age.

 Respiratory acidosis treated by - Sodium Bicarbonate.

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Download Nursing Notes [Link]

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