Patient's question:
My relative was diagnosed with emphysema, but I don't really understand the condition well. Is emphysema serious?Doctor's answer:
It is a type of limited emphysema, generally caused by the excessive expansion of alveoli, the rupture and fusion of alveolar walls leading to the functional obstruction of small airways. This condition is usually not particularly severe, and asymptomatic individuals generally do not require treatment. Patients with concurrent chronic bronchitis and other conditions primarily focus on treating the primary inflammation. However, if a pulmonary bulla suddenly decreases in size and ruptures, it can lead to spontaneous pneumothorax, causing severe shortness of breath and other symptoms, so it should be taken seriously. Patients with alveolar emphysema are advised to quit smoking, develop good habits, avoid overworking, and pay attention to rest. Otherwise, it may lead to chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other conditions.