Patient's question:
Our relative has been coughing with asthma for a long time. It is said that he later developed emphysema, which is quite painful and distressing. I wonder if this condition can be completely cured?Doctor's answer:
This disease is quite stubborn, and if it is focused on expansion, it can easily lead to cor pulmonale. Eventually, it can lead to respiratory failure and near-death. Emphysema is a disease accompanied by the destruction of airway walls, and it is not completely reversible. The restriction of airflow is also not completely reversible, so it cannot be completely cured. However, after taking many measures, the expansion of emphysema can be slowed down, and it will never significantly interfere with the patient's lifespan. As the condition progresses further, the patient may experience hypoxemia again. At this point, it is very important to correct hypoxemia. The main measure for correcting hypoxemia is long-term home oxygen therapy. The concentration of oxygen should not be too high, with 1 to 2 liters being the main target. For severe emphysema, hospital treatment is required.