Risk Factors for Emphysema
(416 Words)
Emphysema is an extremely serious lung condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is characterized by the destruction of the air sacs on the bronchioles. Breathing can become difficult as the number of air sacs is reduced and oxygen does not reach the bloodstream. Medication can be effective at slowing the problem, but reversal is not currently possible.
There are a number of risk factors that increase your risk of developing emphysema. Some of these can be controlled, whereas others are beyond the control. The most significant risk factor is smoking. You are far more likely to develop this disease if you choose to smoke cigarettes. The amount of cigarettes you smoke and how many years you do so for can make a difference as well. In addition, people who use other types of tobacco products such as pipes and cigars also leave themselves vulnerable. To lower your risk, stop these habits.
It is not just the smoker who is at risk for emphysema. Those who inhale secondhand smoke also have an increased risk of this condition. It is especially bad if you are in close contact with the smoker on a regular basis. Those who choose to smoke should stay away from others so that their risk is not raised.
Age can play a part in your development of emphysema. Symptoms of the disease often start between 40 and 60 years of age. The lung damage may be slowly building up until this time.
Some workers will increase their chances of emphysema based on their jobs. If you inhale certain dust or fumes, then you may be more likely to get the condition. These toxins may come from wood, cotton, grain or mining products.
Pollutants in the air can increase your risk of emphysema. These can be from both indoor and outdoor sources. One example is car exhaust.
If you have the combined risk factors of HIV and smoking, your risk of emphysema is higher. It is vital not to smoke if you have this condition.
Some connective tissue disorders have been associated with an increase in emphysema. Cutis laxa and Marfan syndrome are two such conditions.
Of course you increase your risk if you have more than one risk factor. For instance, if you both smoke and have exposure to toxic fumes, then your risk is greater than with just one of these.
Emphysema is a serious condition. Avoid all risk factors that you can to give yourself the best chance of avoiding it.