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will have
to be explained at a different time.) If a person with emphysema gets
too much O2, the body says, "ahhh, I don't need to breathe..." and they can
stop breathing.

2. BiPap
This wonderful invention causes a positive pressure in the lungs keeping them
open so that the COPDer can exhale, exchange gases, and blow off that ever
rising CO2.

3. Medications
Contrary to popular belief, Albuterol will not cure everything. So what is

given is some sort of nebulized medication that will open up the lungs such
as Albuterol or Levalbuterol.
Solumedrol to reduce the inflammation in the lungs
A inhaled corticosteroid such as pulmicort to also help reduce the inflammation
Something to calm. Believe me, if a person cannot breathe, they are going to
be a bit anxious. It is a vicious cycle: Can't breathe-Anxiety-breathing
worse -more anxiety-breathing worse-etc...

The thing that people say to these people who come into the ER is relax or
calm down. I tell those well meaning people to put a pillow over their face
until they can't breathe, but keep it there and try to stay calm...it is
impossible. It is the fight or fight system in the body. One is not
going to calm down until they can breathe...and the anxiety is making
it harder for them to breathe, so medication is indicated.

The number one cause of emphysema is cigarette smoking. It can be first hand smoke or even worse second hand smoke.

Education is a way to help people deal with their lung disease. A good simple e-book can be found at http://www.copdmadesimple.com

T his was not a technical article, but one that does explain emphysema simply. I hope that I was able to answer some questions.

Learn more about this author, Renee Dawson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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