Emphysema Factsheet

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Emphysema is a type of lung disease characterised by shortness of breath, and is one
of several diseases known collectively as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD).

Emphysema develops gradually and can be caused by cigarette smoking. It can also be
caused by second-hand smoking and long-term exposure to certain industrial pollutants
or dust.

In a person with emphysema, the bronchi tubes and air sacs inside the lungs become
narrowed and destroyed, causing the lungs to transfer less and less oxygen to the
bloodstream.

This results in shortness of breath, with exhaling becoming particularly difficult. The
lungs also lose their elasticity, which allows the airways to collapse when the person
breathes out, so that the air in the lungs cannot escape.

Symptoms

• Breathlessness upon exertion, and eventual breathlessness all the time
• Susceptibility to chest infections, like bronchitis and pneumonia
• Coughing; sputum
• Fatigue
• Expansion of the ribcage, due to expansion of the lungs
• Cyanosis – a blue tinge to the skin due to lack of oxygen

Treatment

Treatment is available that focuses on the control and minimization of the symptoms.
Quitting smoking can stop the disease from getting worse.

If emphysema is left untreated, it can lead to heart problems, pneumonia, and collapsed lungs.

How can Just Better Care help?

Just Better Care recognise that some day to day tasks may become more difficult to
undertake by a person that is suffering from emphysema. We are able to provide a
range of simple supports to assist the person to maintain the best quality of life. These
can include things such as help around the house, general housework through to help
with preparing a meal. Other supports can include assistance with managing showing
and grooming and help getting the shopping or going to appointments.

We can be as flexible as you need.

References

Better Health Channel
The Australian Lung Foundation