What is the Best Treatment for Emphysema?

Best Emphysema Treatments: Improve Breathing & Lung Function 

Emphysema is a long-term and progressive pulmonary condition that falls under chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), along with chronic bronchitis and chronic
obstructive asthma. It develops when the alveoli in the lungs are damaged, reducing the surface area available for gas exchange.

This results in worsening dyspnea and compromised oxygenation of major organs, leading to severe consequences. Although the emphysema-induced damage is permanent, successful treatment can relieve symptoms, halt further damage, and enhance overall quality of life.

Keep reading to learn about emphysema and some of its best treatment methods.

What Type of Disease is Emphysema?

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that emphysema is a significant form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a key global health problem. This condition is a chronic lung disease that harms the alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs in the lungs responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

When the walls of the alveoli are destroyed, air gets trapped within the lungs, the surface area decreases, and one finds it hard to breathe. This tends to result in a barrel chest and persistent shortness of breath.

Though the most prevalent cause of emphysema is smoking, it can also be caused by prolonged exposure to air pollution, repeated respiratory infections, or inherited conditions such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

What are the Best Treatments for Emphysema?

As soon as emphysema is diagnosed, the treatment aim is to alleviate symptoms, delay disease progression, treat complications, and enhance quality of life. The following are the best treatment methods:

1. Quitting Smoking

The most crucial action of all in the treatment of emphysema is quitting smoking. One of the leading causes of alveolar damage is smoking, and quitting can dramatically decelerate the worsening of the disease. Physicians frequently suggest nicotine replacement products, prescription drugs, and formal cessation programs to aid in this process.

2. Medication Therapy

A range of drugs is utilized to alleviate symptoms of emphysema. The basis of pharmacologic treatment is using bronchodilators, which help relax the muscles around the airways and improve airflow. They are available in short-acting (temporary) inhalers for immediate relief and long-acting inhalers for ongoing control.

Inhaled corticosteroids may be added to reduce airway inflammation, especially in patients with eosinophilic inflammation or a blood eosinophil count (BEC) greater than 300 cells/µL. Combination inhalers, including bronchodilators and steroids, are commonly used in moderate to severe cases.

Antibiotics are prescribed for infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis, and oral corticosteroids can provide short-term relief during exacerbations.

3. Oxygen Therapy

Supplemental oxygen can greatly improve the quality of life for those suffering from severe emphysema and experiencing low blood oxygen levels. Lightweight and easily portable tanks or concentrators can provide oxygen, which may be needed during exercise, sleep, or even all the time.

4. Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Organized pulmonary rehabilitation provides multidisciplinary care. It features supervised exercise, breathing, a balanced diet, and education. These programs enhance physical conditioning, alleviate symptoms, and increase confidence in disease management.

Pulmonary rehab is especially useful for individuals with poor exercise tolerance or exacerbations.

5. Nutrition Therapy

It is essential to keep a healthy weight. Weight loss might be required in early emphysema to avoid overloading the lungs, whereas patients at advanced stages experience unintentional weight loss and may require high-calorie, high-nutrient diets. An individualized recommendation may be provided by a dietitian.

6. Managing Exacerbations

Acute exacerbations can result in hospitalization if not controlled. Treatment can consist of more frequent use of bronchodilators, short-term oral steroids, and antibiotics if infection is a concern. Preventive measures such as vaccination (flu, pneumonia) are also important to minimize the risk of exacerbations.

7. Surgical Options

For selected individuals, surgery can be an option. Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) removes diseased areas of the lung to enhance the mechanics of breathing. Another less-invasive procedure, endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR), involves collapsing areas of the damaged lung using one-way valves to enable healthier tissue to fill the space.

Bullectomy may relieve large bullae, which improves airflow by eliminating dysfunctional air spaces. Lung transplantation is still available to a limited number of end-stage patients who qualify under stringent criteria but are at significant risk and have a lifetime of immunosuppressive therapy.

8. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Replacement Therapy

In patients with emphysema caused by a genetic deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), intravenous replacement therapy can slow lung deterioration by replacing the deficient protein. Intravenous replacement therapy is generally combined with other conventional treatments for emphysema.

9. Alternative Therapies

Practices like yoga, deep breathing, and meditation can enhance lung function, alleviate anxiety, and improve quality of life. These should not be used as a replacement for standard treatment, but can be useful adjunct therapies.

Though emphysema is not curable, it is a controllable condition with the appropriate treatment regimen. Medication, lifestyle modification, and supportive care in combination can greatly enhance quality of life and lung status.

Early treatment and an aggressive management strategy allow individuals to remain active and productive despite the disease's complications. Thus, it is always advised to have health insurance to protect one's finances during medical emergencies.

At Star Health, we offer comprehensive coverage for respiratory diseases under our Star Health Assure Insurance Policy. We also provide hassle-free claim settlements with reduced turnaround time across over 14,000 network hospitals.