It simply means air in the tissues and manifests its appearance after attacks of asthma, whooping cough and bronchitis. Particular class of persons are its victims who have to fill their lungs up with air; for instance flute, sexophone, clarionet, trombone and other musical instrument(s) users, goldsmiths, people working in glass factories etc. The patient has to inhale and exhale in a quick succession (alternatively) when lungs and air apparatus have no rest or relaxation.
In pulmonary emphysema air sacs of the lungs are enlarged and damaged which reduces the surface area for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. If the disease assumes serious position, there is breathlessness which is worsened by infections. In the absence of any viable and effective mode of treatment, the patient’s only hope rests on exclusive survival on oxygen. Due to lack of oxygen, heart functions are also affected.
In surgical emphysema air escapes into the tissues of neck and chest from the leaks in the lungs/oesophagus. In most of the cases, during the course of surgery air enters (escapes) into other soft tissues. Due to the presence of air/gas, there is a pecular feeling of crackling to the touch which is quite visible on X-ray films. It can be easily absorbed when production or leakage is stopped.
Breathlessness can be controlled by giving medicines which build up general resistance of the body. Vitamine-C (500 mg once daily), Cod Liver Oil/Iron tablets/Phosphorus etc. may be given as a supportive therapy. Also give easily digestible but nutritions diet. Plenty of seasonal fruits or fruit juices will help to fortify lung functioning, provided one is not allergic to any of the food items.
If heart is also at fault, digitalis, coca, strophanthus (all in mother tincture form), if compounded in equal ratio, will prove as a good heart tonic. If Ferrum Phos 3 is also added, it would assist in raising haemoglobin level in the.blood. (Theseare all homeopathic medicines).
Note: Sensitivity to ingredients or reactions may occur in rare cases; hence use carefully.
According to Davidson main cause of emphysema is smoking which causes exertional breathlessness and also that predominating features of the disease are cough and sputum, infective exacerbations, cyanosi, right ventricular failure with peripheral oedema.
Though there is progressive increase in respiratory disability, yet the tempo deterioration differs widely from one patient to another, obstruction of air-flow is the greatest dominant problem of the patient and exertional dyspnoea is another resultant factor. Chronic asthma further complicate the problem.