LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Emphysema: Patients
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Emphysema results in inefficient and difficult breathing. In addition, because of the reduced capacity to exchange gases with each breath, it is necessary to breathe more frequently. Because of the discomfort and incapacity that can result from this, it ... affects the quality of life of the patient.
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Emphysema cannot be cured, but contributing factors can be eliminated and its rate of progression can be slowed if it is detected early and smoking is stopped. With proper therapy, many patients can maintain part-time or full-time employment. The person suffering from emphysema must come to terms with the disease, but he or she may not have to give up as much of work, family, relationships or other pleasures of a full life, as is often feared.
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Emphysema patients are sometimes referred to as "pink puffers". This is because emphysema sufferers may hyperventilate to maintain adequate blood oxygen levels. Hyperventilation explains why emphysema patients do not appear cyanoticas chronic bronchitis (another COPD disorder) sufferers often do; hence they are "pink" puffers (adequate oxygen levels in the blood) and not "blue" bloaters (cyanosis; inadequate oxygen in the blood).
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No medical treatment can arrest or reverse Emphysema, although a variety of aggravating factors can be treated. In some patients, overgrowth of bacteria in the bronchi cause flare-ups, and antibiotics such as tetracycline, amoxicillin, and TMP-sulfa can help. Still others have an asthma-like reaction as part of their disease, and treatment as outlined for asthma provides benefit. A fraction of patients respond to cortisone or prednisone, but long term use can have serious side effects.
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Naturopaths advocate dietary supplements to assist with this process, and certain dietary supplements can be very valuable in arresting the progress of Emphysema. Trials have been conducted involving treating emphysema patients with vitamin A, which is known to play an important role in healthy body tissue. Vitamin E can ... be helpful, and vitamin C should always be taken, as it is a catalyst for other nutrients. For best results, it is advised to consult a practitioner.
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