Respiratory - Emphysema Flashcards
What is emphysema?
Breakdown of alveolar walls and damage to bronchioles + alveolar capillaries - reducing the efficiency of gaseous exchange
What are the symptoms of emphysema?
Shortness of breath
Frequent chest infections
Persistent cough
Cough up yellow sputum
What are the causes of emphysema?
Smoking - longer a person smokes = increases risk
Genetics
Second hand smoke exposure
How can emphysema be monitored?
Spirometry - nose clip, blow out - measures how fast and how much you can breathe out - check if meds are working
MRI/CT scan - allows doctors to see location of damage - images taken at hospital
What are the benefits of spirometry?
Easy test - not too long
Support from GP
Results sent off = accurate
What are the cons of spirometry?
Make time to see GP
Wait for results
How can emphysema be treated?
Stop smoking
Pulmonary rehabilitation - programme of exercise and education
Long term oxygen therapy - up to 16 hours a day
Ambulatory oxygen therapy - portable oxygen when out
Medications - steroids (reduce inflammation), antibiotics (treat secondary infection),mucolytic agents (thin mucus)
Surgery - remove damaged part of lung (prevent further infection) or lung transplant
What are the benefits of using inhalers?
Easy to use
Treat + help symptoms
Portable
What are the cons of using inhalers?
Embarrassing in public
Children can use wrong dosage
Easy to forget when out
Not a cure
What impacts does emphysema have?
Unable to access places/ cant go out if breathing is bad
May need home help - lose independence
Increased risk of infection
What are the care/support needs for emphysema?
Wheelchair access - OT assessment - ramps, wheelchair
Change lifestyle - stop smoking, healthy diet, exercise
Support from GP
