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Emphysema: Smoking
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Emphysema is a condition that makes the act of breathing difficult because the lungs are not able to expand and contract properly. Symptoms of emphysema include shortness of breath, cough and a limited exercise tolerance.
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Emphysema is a serious condition and can be life-threatening. Though it is a condition in which changes in the lungs are not reversible, its symptoms and progression can often be slowed down with lifestyle changes and appropriate use of medicines.
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Emphysema may begin with only a slight morning and evening inconvenience in breathing. Next, a short walk may be enough to bring on an attack of breathlessness. It may reach a point where every breath requires a major effort.
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Emphysema often follows chronic bronchitis. If lung tissue is progressively damaged through cigarette smoke or environmental pollutants, the lung loses its natural tendency to deflate or spring shut. The bronchial tubes, as a result, become swollen and inflamed, and their diameter may then become considerably reduced. Excessive amounts of mucous are characteristic of bronchitis, and this may further impair breathing.
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Emphysema can't be cured, but prompt treatment may prevent further damage to your respiratory system and lead to an improvement in your lung function. Besides steps you can take on your own, your doctor may recommend these treatments for emphysema and its complications:
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Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, and Colds - Read about the complications of emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and colds, which can be prevented with careful care of your health, quitting cigarette smoking, and good hygiene. Source:WebMD Other
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