Emphysema  - Treatment 

The goal of therapy for emphysema is  to provide relief of symptoms, prevent complications  and slow  the progression  of the disease. Quitting smoking  is also essential  for patients  with emphysema, since continuing  to use tobacco  will only further damage the lungs. Our Tobacco Education Center offers classes  as well as individual consultations with doctors trained in treating tobacco addiction. We help smokers maximize  the likelihood  of success  in their efforts to quit. 

Medications: 

• Bronchodilator Medications --  Inhaled as aerosol sprays or taken orally, bronchodilator medications may help to relieve symptoms of emphysema by relaxing  and opening the air passages in the lungs. 
• Steroids --  Inhaled as an aerosol spray, steroids can help relieve symptoms of emphysema associated with asthma and bronchitis. Over time, however, inhaled steroids can cause side effects, such as weakened bones, high blood pressure, diabetes and cataracts. It is important to discuss these side effects with your doctor before using steroids. 
• Antibiotics -- Antibiotics  may be used  to help  fight respiratory infections common  in people with  emphysema, such as acute bronchitis, pneumonia  and the flu. 
• Vaccines --  Patients with  emphysema should receive a flu shot annually and pneumonia shot every five  to seven years to prevent infections. 
• Oxygen Therapy --  As a patient's disease  progresses, they may find it  increasingly difficult to breathe on their own  and may require supplemental oxygen. Oxygen comes  in various forms  and may be delivered with different devices, including those you can use at home. 
• Lung Transplant --  Lung transplantation may be an option for some patients with  emphysema.
• Surgery --  Lung volume reduction surgery, during which small wedges  of damaged lung tissue are removed, may  be recommended  for some patients with emphysema. 
• Protein Therapy --  Patients with emphysema caused by an alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency may be given infusions of AAT  to help slow the progression of lung damage. 
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation --  An  important part of  emphysema treatment is pulmonary rehabilitation, which includes education, nutrition counseling, learning special breathing techniques, help with quitting smoking  and starting an exercise regimen. Because people with emphysema are often physically limited, they may avoid any kind  of physical activity. However, regular physical activity can actually improve a patients health  and wellbeing.