What are the causes of the emphysema?

is a disease that affects pulmonary tissue and causes shortness of breath. The two main causes of the emphysema are smoking and lack of alpha 1-antitrypsin, a condition where the body has a lack of protein that protects the pulmonary tissue. These factors damage the air bags in the lungs and reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches the bloodstream. The diagnosis of the emphysema can be made when an individual who experiences symptoms of lung disease visits his healthcare provider. The Provider may discuss the risk of an individual's emphysema, perform various tests and formulate the treatment plan for condition management if necessary.

Cigarette smoking is a known risk factor for the development of lung disease and one of the most common causes of emphysema. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals and inhalation of smoke permanently damages the lung ability to function properly. Tar, dense, sticky substance present in cigarette smoke, seated in the lungs.lvets or air bags irreversibly damaged. They connect each other, weaken and no longer be able to effectively provide oxygen into the bloodstream.

Smoking of cigars and pipes is also the causes of emphysema and other pulmonary conditions. It was once believed that only cigarette smoke entered the lungs and increased the risk of an emphysema. Modern research has found that it is false and smoking and emphysema are closely connected - whether smoke comes from a cigarette, pipe or cigar.

Alfa 1-antitrypsin deficiency individuals are unable to create a sufficient amount of alpha 1-antitrypsin. This important liver protein protects the lungs from potentially harmful enzyme called neutrophilic elastase. The main function of neutrophilic elastasis is to fight old or damaged cells and promote healing; Elastasis, however, also destroys healthy lung tissue. Alpha 1-antitrypsin protects the lungs by maintaining elastase under control.An individual with a deficiency in alpha 1-antitrypsin is likely to develop an emphysema and other irreversible lung disease.

The four phases of the emphysema are endangered, mild, medium and heavy. As the individual progresses in different phases, it can experience a reduction in respiratory skills and quality of life. Although the emphysema cannot be cured, the forecast of the emphysema could improve if the individual sought medical care and monitored the treatment plan of the emphysema. The development of healthy habits and avoiding the causes of emphysema, whenever possible, are important steps to maintain optimal lung health and control symptoms of lung disease.