A lung function test (spirometer) can be done to check the capacity of your lungs.

DIAGNOSIS

The doctor will take a full history and do a medical examination to determine if you have emphysema. A lung function test (spirometer) can be done to check the capacity of your lungs.

A chest X-ray is very important to rule out other causes of shortness of breath. But the chest X-ray can also show normal findings if you have emphysema.

Computerised tomography scans can be useful for detecting and diagnosing emphysema. Blood tests can also be taken to check the amount of oxygen in your arteries.

TREATMENT

Emphysema cannot be cured, but there are medications that can help relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor might suggest:

Bronchodilators: These drugs can help relieve coughing, shortness of breath and breathing problems by relaxing constricted airways.

Inhaled steroids: Corticosteroid drugs inhaled as aerosol sprays reduce inflammation and may help relieve shortness of breath.

Antibiotics: If you have a bacterial infection, like acute bronchitis or pneumonia, antibiotics are appropriate.

A pulmonary rehabilitation programme teaches breathing exercises and techniques that may reduce breathlessness and improve exercising ability. If you have severe emphysema with low blood oxygen levels, using oxygen regularly may provide relief. Many people use oxygen 24 hours a day. It’s administered via narrow tubing that fits into your nostrils. As a last resort, a lung transplant may be needed.