Patient's question:
My friend has been coughing frequently recently, sometimes feeling short of breath. After a thorough check-up at the hospital, it was discovered that they have emphysema. My friend wants to understand how emphysema affects life expectancy.Doctor's answer:
Emphysema can heal on its own, but patients need active treatment. Breathing exercises should be performed with diaphragmatic breathing, pursed-lip slow exhalation, to enhance the movement of respiratory muscles. Strengthening the diaphragm's movement capability, home oxygen therapy, providing oxygen for 12-15 hours daily can shorten lifespan. If continuous oxygen therapy can be maintained for more than 24 hours a day, the effect is better. Physical treatment, treatment plans should be formulated based on the condition, such as Qigong, Tai Chi, breathing exercises, quantitative walking or stair climbing training.