Treatment focuses on slowing disease progression and improving symptoms: stop smoking, use inhaled bronchodilators (and corticosteroids when indicated), get vaccinations, enroll in pulmonary rehabilitation, use long-term oxygen if significantly hypoxemic, and consider surgical or bronchoscopic lung volume reduction or transplantation for selected patients.

What emphysema is and what drives it

Emphysema is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in which air sacs (alveoli) are damaged, reducing the lungs' ability to transfer oxygen. The two main causes are long-term tobacco smoking and, less commonly, genetic alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Core medical treatments

Stopping smoking is the single most important step to slow emphysema progression. Medications commonly used include inhaled bronchodilators (short- and long-acting) to open airways and inhaled corticosteroids for people with frequent exacerbations or overlapping asthma features. For people with confirmed alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, augmentation therapy with pooled human alpha-1 antitrypsin can slow lung function loss in selected patients.

Vaccinations (seasonal influenza and pneumococcal vaccines) reduce the risk of infections that can worsen emphysema.

Oxygen and ventilatory support

Long-term supplemental oxygen improves survival and quality of life for people with severe resting hypoxemia (for example, resting oxygen saturation ≤88% or PaO2 ≤55 mmHg). Short-term oxygen or noninvasive ventilation can be helpful during exacerbations or during sleep for some patients.

Pulmonary rehabilitation and exercise

Pulmonary rehabilitation combines supervised exercise training, breathing techniques (such as pursed-lip breathing), education, and self-management strategies. It consistently improves exercise tolerance, reduces breathlessness, and lowers hospital admissions. Regular physical activity and strength training for respiratory and peripheral muscles are central parts of care.

Procedures and surgery

Surgery or bronchoscopic procedures are options for selected patients whose symptoms remain severe despite optimal medical care.
  • Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) removes the most damaged lung tissue to improve the mechanics of breathing; it benefits carefully selected patients with upper-lobe-predominant disease and low exercise capacity.
  • Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (endobronchial valves or coils) is a less invasive option that can improve lung function and symptoms for some people with heterogeneous emphysema.
  • Bullectomy removes very large bullae that compress healthier lung and can relieve breathlessness.
  • Lung transplantation remains an option for end-stage disease in appropriate candidates.
All procedural options require detailed evaluation at a specialized center to assess risks, likely benefit, and candidate selection.

Managing daily life and prognosis

Emphysema is a chronic condition. With smoking cessation, vaccinations, appropriate medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, and timely use of oxygen or procedures, many people maintain a good quality of life. Regular follow-up with a pulmonologist helps tailor treatment as symptoms or test results change.

FAQs about Emphysema Treatment

What is the most important action someone with emphysema can take?
Quit smoking. Smoking cessation slows lung damage, reduces exacerbations, and is the single most effective step to change the disease course.
When is oxygen therapy recommended?
Long-term oxygen is recommended for people with severe resting hypoxemia (for example, resting oxygen saturation around or below 88%). A pulmonologist will confirm need with blood gas or oximetry testing.
Can exercise help with emphysema?
Yes. Pulmonary rehabilitation and regular supervised exercise improve breathing, endurance, and quality of life and reduce hospital admissions.
Are there less-invasive alternatives to lung surgery?
Yes. Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction using endobronchial valves or coils is a less-invasive option for selected patients and can improve symptoms and lung function.
Is emphysema reversible?
Emphysema involves permanent alveolar damage and is not fully reversible, but many treatments can slow progression, reduce symptoms, and improve daily functioning.

News about Emphysema Treatment

Emphysema treatment breakthrough - Medical News Today [Visit Site | Read More]

The Best Home Remedies for COPD Symptom Relief - HealthCentral [Visit Site | Read More]

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Treatment & Management - Medscape eMedicine [Visit Site | Read More]

Personalized COPD Treatment: Lessons from Biologic Trials and Clinical Practice - HCPLive [Visit Site | Read More]

AeroRx raises $21M for mid-stage study of nebulised COPD treatment - FirstWord Pharma [Visit Site | Read More]

Revolutionary Drug Could Change COPD Treatment for the Better - American Lung Association [Visit Site | Read More]

New national report reveals critical gaps in asthma and COPD care - Royal College of Physicians (RCP) [Visit Site | Read More]