Overview
Emphysema is a chronic lung condition characterized by damage to the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs responsible for gas exchange. Over time, the walls of the alveoli weaken and rupture, reducing the surface area for oxygen absorption and making it difficult to breathe. Emphysema is a major component of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). South Korea offers advanced pulmonary care, including early diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation programs to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
What is Emphysema?
Emphysema involves progressive destruction of lung tissue, especially the alveolar walls, leading to enlarged air spaces and impaired lung function. The condition decreases oxygen supply to the body, causes air trapping in the lungs, and leads to shortness of breath and reduced exercise tolerance. While emphysema primarily affects older adults with a history of smoking, it can also occur due to genetic factors such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
- Chronic cough, sometimes with mucus
- Wheezing and chest tightness
- Fatigue and decreased exercise tolerance
- Unintended weight loss in advanced cases
- Barrel-shaped chest due to overinflated lungs
Causes
- Long-term exposure to cigarette smoke (most common)
- Exposure to air pollution, dust, or chemical fumes
- Genetic deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin, a protein that protects the lungs
- Chronic respiratory infections contributing to lung damage
Risk Factors
- Smoking or past smoking history
- Long-term exposure to air pollutants or occupational dust/chemicals
- Family history of lung diseases or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- Age above 40
- History of chronic bronchitis or frequent lung infections
Complications
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Respiratory failure
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Increased risk of lung infections and pneumonia
- Reduced quality of life and limited physical activity
Prevention
- Avoid smoking or quit smoking immediately
- Reduce exposure to air pollution and occupational lung irritants
- Regular exercise to maintain lung function
- Early treatment of respiratory infections
- Genetic counseling for individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Treatment Options in Korea
South Korea provides high-quality respiratory care, combining medications, rehabilitation, and advanced procedures for emphysema patients.
- Medications
- Bronchodilators: Relax airway muscles to improve airflow
- Inhaled corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation in the airways
- Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors: For severe COPD-related emphysema
- Oxygen therapy: For patients with low blood oxygen levels
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Exercise programs tailored to improve lung capacity and stamina
- Breathing techniques such as pursed-lip breathing
- Nutritional support and counseling
- Surgical Interventions
- Lung volume reduction surgery: Removal of damaged lung tissue to improve breathing
- Lung transplantation: For advanced emphysema unresponsive to other treatments
- Hospitals and Clinics
Top Korean hospitals offer comprehensive care, including pulmonary function testing, imaging studies, and multidisciplinary management programs.
