How is emphysema treated?

Emphysema can be managed through various approaches, including modifying daily lifestyle habits, engaging in pulmonary rehabilitation exercises, using symptomatic medications, receiving oxygen therapy, and undergoing surgical intervention. If severe dyspnea (inability to lie flat), cyanosis of the lips or nails, or other serious symptoms occur, prompt medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital are strongly recommended.

1. Modifying Daily Lifestyle Habits: Avoid environments containing smoke, dust, or irritating gases, and quit smoking entirely. Adopt a light, nutritious diet; ensure adequate rest; and engage in physical activities according to individual tolerance levels—thereby minimizing external irritants’ impact on the respiratory tract.

2. Pulmonary Rehabilitation Training: Practice breathing techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing and pursed-lip breathing to strengthen respiratory muscles. These exercises improve airflow in and out of the lungs, facilitate expulsion of retained air from the lungs, gradually enhance ventilatory efficiency, and alleviate post-exertional shortness of breath.

3. Pharmacologic Symptom Management: Select appropriate medications based on clinical manifestations such as cough and wheezing to relieve bronchial spasm and reduce airway secretions. This helps alleviate symptoms including cough, sputum production, chest tightness, and dyspnea; decreases the frequency of acute exacerbations; and stabilizes pulmonary function.

4. Oxygen Therapy Support: When hypoxemia is present, administer supplemental oxygen at an appropriate flow rate. This increases arterial oxygen content, alleviates fatigue and chest tightness caused by hypoxia, reduces the burden on vital organs, and slows disease progression.

5. Surgical Intervention: In cases where the disease is localized and specific criteria are met, surgical resection of damaged lung tissue may be considered. Reducing the proportion of nonfunctional, overinflated lung tissue improves the working space for remaining healthy lung tissue, thereby enhancing overall respiratory function.

During seasonal transitions, take precautions against cold exposure to lower the risk of respiratory infections. Avoid excessive physical exertion, maintain balanced nutritional intake, and undergo regular pulmonary follow-up examinations to minimize the frequency of acute emphysema exacerbations.