Lung Transplant

While it is true that there are many stages of emphysema (there are actually 4 of them), but the final stages of the disease is very crucial because this is when it becomes untreatable. Often the final period of the disease can also cause death. However the diagnosis has to happen in the early stages because the treatment must start quickly. The fact is, it may already be too late if the treatment is started at one of the final emphysema stages.

It all starts with intermittent dry coughing and as the disease progresses through the stages, the coughing happens more often. One typical symptom at an advanced is breathlessness or difficulties in breathing. In some people, the lips and fingernails also turn grayish blue in appearance. This happens because there is not enough oxygen within the body and an excess of carbon dioxide because the body is not able to exhale out the carbon dioxide through the airways. In the final stages of emphysema, there can also be excess mucus and this can appear greenish or yellowish.

Stages Of Emphysema – Some Other Symptoms At The Advanced Stage

If someone is at an advanced stage, the person will almost surely suffer from breathing difficulties. The person will keep trying to breathe in because enough oxygen is not going into the body, and this leads to breathlessness. It is also likely that he or she will become tired too quickly. Even simple jobs such as opening a cupboard or bending over to pick up the paper might be tiresome. Respiratory infections can also take more time to heal. Most of those who suffer from such conditions want to stay at home and this reduces their productivity too.

Most people will experience lung failure at the final stages, and when this happens, a lung transplant may become necessary. However, most doctors will not replace both the lungs, even if both of them are available. Experts believe that lung transplant works best when one lung is replaced at a time. Some people also suffer from pneumothorax, which is a condition where excess air leaks out from the lungs. This of course causes further problems in breathing and a severe pain as well.

Advanced emphysema stages also often make people lose weight rapidly. It has also been seen that the levels of tumor necrosis within the body increase, and this too causes weight loss.

End Stage Diagnosis

When someone reports symptoms that appear like end stage emphysema, the physician will immediately as for a complete medical history. Lung function tests and a chest x-ray images may also be asked for. The tests will show whether the lungs are over-inflated or not, and whether the blood vessels have become too thin or not. Lung function tests are carried out by using the Spirometer – this allows the physician to find out the flow rate and the lung volume. The physician may also ask for blood tests to determine whether the body has a high number of red blood cells or not. Another test asked for is the pulse oximetry – this helps the physician find out the saturation levels of oxygen.

Babies and infants cannot have emphysema because this is a disease that happens progressively. Also remember that though the symptoms may often appear asmatic, but it is indeed not Asthma. You need as much info about the end stages of emphysema because this will help you deal with the condition better. If you know someone who is suffering, you should urge the person to seek treatment quickly to make life as better as possible.

By: Sherly Bakemeier

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