Patient's question:
My friend has been suffering from emphysema for several years. They have been taking medication for treatment all along, but the condition has somewhat eased. I'd like to understand what treatment methods are available for emphysema?Doctor's answer:
Emphysema is characterized by the recurrence of shortness of breath and wheezing during exertion. This breathing difficulty is caused by the loss of elasticity in lung tissue. Patients need to exert significant effort when exhaling. The shortness of breath gradually improves and becomes more pronounced after exercise, interfering with physical activity and subsiding after rest. Severe patients may also experience recurrent shortness of breath accompanied by cyanosis of the lips and extremities, relief from coughing, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss.