Emphysema Care at Arizona Pulmonary Specialists

What is Emphysema?

Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that damages the air sacs in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. It is most commonly caused by long-term smoking, but non-smokers can also develop emphysema due to:

• Chronic exposure to lung irritants (e.g., dust, air pollution, chemical fumes)
• Genetic factors (such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a rare inherited condition)
• Certain injection drug use

As the disease progresses, the lungs lose their ability to efficiently exchange oxygen, leading to increasing breathlessness and reduced lung function.

Symptoms of Emphysema

Symptoms typically develop gradually and worsen over time, including:

• Persistent shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
• Chronic cough, often with mucus production
• Wheezing or tightness in the chest
• Fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance
• Swelling in the legs (in later stages of the disease)

Sudden worsening of symptoms, known as an exacerbation, can be triggered by infections, pollutants, or other irritants. Severe exacerbations may require hospitalization.

Diagnosing Emphysema

A thorough evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis. Our diagnostic approach includes:

• Medical history and symptom assessment – Identifying risk factors and progression of symptoms
• Pulmonary function testing (spirometry) – Measuring airflow obstruction
• Chest imaging (X-ray or CT scan) – Evaluating lung structure and damage

Once diagnosed, our team develops a personalized treatment plan to help you manage your condition effectively.

Treating Emphysema

While emphysema is a progressive condition, treatment can significantly slow its progression, reduce symptoms, and improve your quality of life. Our approach focuses on breathing support, symptom management, and lifestyle modifications.

Smoking Cessation

The most important step in managing emphysema is quitting smoking immediately. This is the only way to slow lung damage and improve long-term outcomes.

Medications

Inhalers are the first-line treatment for symptom relief and flare-up prevention:

• Bronchodilators – Help relax airway muscles and improve airflow
• Inhaled corticosteroids – Reduce inflammation and frequency of exacerbations
• Combination inhalers – Used in more advanced cases to enhance symptom control

Exacerbation management may require oral steroids, antibiotics, and increased breathing treatments. If you experience extreme shortness of breath and cannot complete a sentence without gasping, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Oxygen Therapy

If oxygen levels drop too low, supplemental oxygen can help improve energy levels and survival rates.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

A structured program that includes supervised exercise, breathing techniques, and lung health education to help patients build strength and improve breathing efficiency.

Advanced Treatment Options

For severe cases, surgical options may be considered:

• Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS) – Removes damaged lung tissue to improve breathing
• Lung transplantation – Considered for end-stage emphysema in eligible patients

Preventive Care

Annual flu shots and pneumonia vaccinations are recommended to reduce the risk of infections that could worsen emphysema symptoms.

Emphysema Research and Clinical Trials

Arizona Pulmonary Specialists actively participates in emphysema research and clinical trials. Patients may have opportunities to access new treatments and emerging therapies. Ask your doctor if you’re interested in learning more.

Why Choose Arizona Pulmonary Specialists?

• Expert pulmonologists – Specialists with extensive experience in emphysema care
• Comprehensive, personalized treatment – Tailored plans based on advanced diagnostics
• Access to cutting-edge therapies – Including clinical trials and emerging treatments
• Seamless, coordinated care – Convenient Scottsdale location with hospital affiliations for ongoing support

Physicians Specializing in Emphysema

Our pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and dedicated care team are committed to helping you manage emphysema effectively.