HEALTH: Obstructive lung disease can be treated

Many lung diseases have an element of obstruction to air flow leaving the lungs and are grouped into the general category of “obstructive lung disease.“ Chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma are the three main forms of obstructive lung disease. Of these, only asthma is reversible.

The damage that leads to chronic bronchitis and emphysema is permanent; the progression of the disease, however, can be limited. With proper treatment, the lung damage can be stopped and the efficiency of the remaining lung tissue improved.

Since smoking is the primary cause of obstructive lung disease, stopping smoking is imperative if you hope to save your lungs. Your doctor can give you helpful advice and tips, recommend a smoking cessation program and prescribe medicines. Still, quitting is mostly up to you. 

An exam and a lung function test will determine how well your lungs are working. A lung function test can pick up lung disease before symptoms develop or wheezing begins. It is also the best way to follow the effectiveness of treatment and the rate of decline of lung function. If the rate of loss per year is greater than normal, more aggressive treatment is needed.

Treatment begins with inhalers that help dilate the airways. Other types of medicines or inhalers that decrease inflammation in the airways may also be prescribed.

Breathing techniques and an exercise program to improve your physical condition is also important. Oxygen may be needed to decrease shortness of breath with activity. During sleep, oxygen helps to protect against strain on the heart from pulmonary hypertension. A flu shot should be taken each year, and a pneumonia shot should be taken at least once.

C. 2008. - This series of articles has been provided by Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center as a public service.