Patient's question:
Your friend smokes frequently and always coughs up phlegm. Recently, their symptoms have worsened, and they are experiencing difficulty breathing. After a thorough examination at the hospital, it was diagnosed as emphysema. Hello, what foods should someone with emphysema avoid?Doctor's answer:
Emphysema refers to the pathological state where the elasticity of the distal terminal airways is reduced, leading to excessive expansion, over-inflation, and reduced lung volume, or accompanied by destruction of the airway walls. Emphysema can cause expiratory dyspnea, impair gas exchange, increase airway resistance, and may progress to cor pulmonale, ultimately resulting in heart failure, respiratory failure, and pulmonary encephalopathy. Emphysema primarily affects the elderly, and patients with long-term lung diseases are prone to developing emphysema. Emphysema cannot be caused by smoking, nor can spicy and irritating foods be consumed. Smoking or eating spicy and irritating foods can irritate the trachea, causing severe pain and exacerbating symptoms. Emphysema is generally caused by chronic bronchitis, which, if not fully treated, leads to chronic obstructive emphysema.