Is emphysema curable?

Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, primarily caused by long-term smoking, air pollution, or genetic factors. It is relatively difficult to treat and currently has no radical cure. However, the condition can be controlled and quality of life improved through various treatment measures.

Treatment mainly includes medication, respiratory function training, home oxygen therapy, and physical therapy. Medication typically involves the use of bronchodilators and effective antibiotics to relieve symptoms and control infections. Respiratory function training and home oxygen therapy can help enhance respiratory function and improve ventilation. Patients should quit smoking, engage in exercise and breathing training to strengthen physical fitness, improve exercise tolerance, and maintain good nutritional status, all of which positively affect the maintenance of lung function. For patients with low blood oxygen levels, regular oxygen inhalation can help increase blood oxygen saturation and reduce the burden on respiration.

In some cases, such as severe emphysema, lung volume reduction surgery or lung transplantation may be considered.