Emphysema Symptoms: If Left Untreated, Can They Lead to Death? A Complete Guide to Terminal Signs and Life Expectancy

Are you having trouble breathing these days?
If you feel tired and fatigued more quickly than usual,
Rather than just passing it off as aging or fatigue,
It is necessary to suspect a respiratory disease such as 'emphysema'.

 

Because emphysema symptoms begin without any noticeable signs in the early stages,
Many people discover it late, and the treatment period is also delayed.
In severe cases, it progresses to terminal symptoms.
Emphysema also has a direct impact on the life expectancy itself.

 

Today, we will start with the main symptoms of emphysema.
Terminal signs, treatments, and even the possibility of death
I've compiled some key information you need to know.

 

What is emphysema?

 

Emphysema is a condition in which the walls of the small air sacs called alveoli inside the lungs are damaged.
It is a disease in which the tissues become increasingly larger and larger as they are destroyed.
This causes a decrease in the ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Even breathing becomes difficult.

 

Normal lungs should be tightly packed like a honeycomb.
Air circulation and gas exchange occur smoothly.
When emphysema occurs, the structure collapses.
'I took a breath but I couldn't breathe out'
Things are happening.

 

 

 

Symptoms of Emphysema: Early Signs

 

In the early stages, there may be few or no symptoms.
However, as the disease progresses, the following symptoms may appear:

 

- Chronic cough
- Sticky phlegm
- Difficulty breathing during activity
- Feeling short of breath even when resting
- Cyanosis, where the lips or fingertips turn blue

 

Shortness of breath, especially when exercising or climbing stairs silver
It is a typical early sign of emphysema.

 

 

 

Symptoms and progression of terminal emphysema

 

When the disease progresses to the terminal stage,
Shortness of breath is no longer constant, regardless of activity.
Even sleeping at night can be difficult,
Even the slightest movement can cause severe shortness of breath.

 

Also weight loss, muscle wasting, chronic fatigue, etc.
Systemic symptoms may also appear.
Your quality of life will be greatly reduced.

 

The rate at which emphysema progresses varies from person to person.
Smoking history, genetic factors, and environmental exposures all play a role.

 

 

Emphysema Lifespan: Is It Really Dangerous?

 

It is difficult to determine mortality rate based on emphysema alone.
But if the emphysema gets worse,
It can develop into COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease),
It is one of the diseases with the highest mortality rate worldwide.

 

Vulnerable to secondary infections such as pneumonia, influenza, and bronchitis
Even a simple cold can be life-threatening.

 

So emphysema deaths are more likely to be due to direct lung damage than to
It often occurs due to complications.

 

 

Emphysema Treatment: Is a Cure Possible?

 

Unfortunately, alveoli that have already been damaged cannot be restored.
However, treatments are available to slow the progression and relieve symptoms.

 

Treatment Key Points

- No smoking : The most powerful way to slow the progression of emphysema
- Drug treatment: Use of bronchodilators and inhalers
- Vaccination: Prevent secondary infections with flu and pneumonia vaccines
- Respiratory rehabilitation: Strengthening breathing ability through exercise therapy, physical therapy, etc.

 

If you discover it quickly and manage it consistently,
You can live with a good quality of life.

 

 

 

Emphysema, how to prevent it

 

- Start quitting smoking now
- If you experience respiratory symptoms, do not ignore them and visit a hospital.
- Vaccination is essential before the flu season.
- Wear a KF94 mask on days with high levels of fine dust.
- Maintain lung capacity through regular exercise

 

 

 

To sum up

 

Because emphysema symptoms often begin without much warning in the early stages,
It's really important to know in advance and prepare.
If left untreated, it can worsen into terminal emphysema symptoms.
It can lead to a shortened lifespan or even death.

 

If you are a smoker, be especially careful.
Even small changes in breathing should not be taken lightly.
Once the lungs are damaged, they cannot be restored.
Early diagnosis and management are of utmost importance.
Don't forget.

 

 

 

 

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