CT Scan Results: The word from the CT Scan of my sinuses is that everything appears fairly normal, and there is nothing unusual to report.
Chest X-ray Results: The report came back saying: COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) a combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema which damages the lungs, and can damage the heart.
I am looking at the X-ray images now and there is obviously something abnormal about the lower right lung. Tomorrow morning I meet with a pulmonary specialist and show him the X-rays and find out where we go from here.
Emphysema doesn't develop suddenly, it comes on very gradually, and is usually caused by years of constant exposure to cigarette smoke or possibly environmental pollution.
TREATMENT FOR EMPHYSEMA
Antibiotics: if you have a bacterial infection, such as pneumococcal pneumonia.
Lung transplantation: This is a major procedure, which can be effective.
Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is a surgical procedure in which the most severely diseases portions of the lung are removed to allow the remaining lung and breathing muscles to work better. The short term results are promising but those with severe forms are at higher risk of death.
PREVENTION OF EMPHYSEMA
DON'T SMOKE. The majority of those who get emphysema are smokers. Continued smoking makes emphysema worse, especially for those who have AAT deficiency, the inherited form of emphysema.
Maintain overall good health habits, which include proper nutrition, adequate sleep,and regular exercise to build up your stamina and resistance to infections.
Reduce your exposure to air pollution, which may aggravate symptoms of emphysema. Refer to radio or television weather reports or your local newspaper for information about air quality. On days when the ozone (smog) level is unhealthy, restrict your activity to early morning or evening. When pollution levels are dangerous, remain indoors and stay as comfortable as possible.
Consult your doctor at the start of any cold or respiratory infection because infection can make your emphysema symptoms worse. Ask about getting vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia.
Posted by dancoy at December 30, 2003 10:40 PM