According to many medical websites, including the Mayo Clinic site, there are no treatments to cure emphysema. However, a treatment for emphysema symptoms provides patients with some relief. The treatment for emphysema symptoms depends on the type of symptoms a patient is exhibiting. Often the progression of this disease slows down once the symptoms are under control. Treatments may be in the form of medications, therapy and surgery depending on the progression of the disease.
In the treatment for emphysema symptoms the patient is often prescribed smoking cessation drugs when they have a difficult time giving up smoking. Prescriptions such as Zyban and Chantix help many that otherwise would not be able to quit smoking. Inhaled steroids used as a treatment for emphysema, such as corticosteroid drugs offers relief from shortness of breath. However, they may cause a problem by increasing the risk to patients with high blood pressure, diabetes and cataracts as well as the possibility of weakening bones. When a patient develops pneumonia or bronchitis the treatment for emphysema symptoms involves antibiotics. Bronchodilators primarily help patients with chronic bronchitis and asthma. However, they help in some extent as a treatment for emphysema to relieve breathing problems, shortness of breath and coughing. Another treatment for emphysema symptoms includes nutritional advice to control weight loss or gain, depending on the situation.
When used at home and during exercise, oxygen therapy as a treatment for emphysema symptoms provides a little relief for patients with severe emphysema showing low levels of blood oxygen. Supplemental oxygen is necessary 24 hours a day for patients with severe emphysema. Pulmonary rehabilitation used as a treatment for emphysema symptoms teaches patients the techniques and breathing exercises to reduce breathlessness. Once breathing is under control, patients can exercise easier.
Surgery, as a treatment for emphysema depends on the severity of the disease. Diseased portions of the lung can weaken the rest of the tissue. A surgeon removes the diseased portion so that the remaining part of the lung can work better to help a patients breathe easier. When nothing else helps, a lung transplant as a treatment for emphysema is a last option for those with severe emphysema. Although there are no cures for emphysema, many treatments for emphysema symptoms can provide relief for patients so they can live a better life.
