Emphysema

Paper Summary:

This paper describes the abnormal lung condition, emphysema. It discusses the different stages of the disease and describes the signs and symptoms that can be expected in each stage. The paper also looks at diagnostic tests and the physical examination of a person with emphysema. Finally, the paper discusses possible options for medical treatment of emphysema.

From the Paper:

"Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, resulting in rupture of the tissue. The damaged tissue cannot actively exchange gases and impedes on the efficiency of healthy areas of the lung. Avoiding cigarette smoke and other irritants to the lung can prevent emphysema. Unfortunately, the disease is to be anticipated in those born without optimal amounts of alpha 1-antitrypsin. Although there is no cure, treatments and surgery are available to slow progression of the disease. As with other diseases, being in good shape and good eating habits may help prevent the development as well as promote recovery. Ongoing research on emphysema may bring forth other causes, methods of prevention, treatment, and possibly a cure one day."

Sample of Sources Used:

• American Lung Association. (2004). Emphysema. Retrieved December 23, 2005 from http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=35043
• Canadian Lung Association. Emphysema. Retrieved December 23, 2005 from http://www.lung.ca/diseases/emphysema.html
• Cedars-Sinai. Emphysema. Retrieved December 23, 2005 from http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/5996.html
• Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment, 45th Ed. pp 238 - 243 Lange Medical Books/McGraw-Hill 2006 Edited by Lawrence M Tierney Jr. , Stephen McPhee, Maxine A. Papadakis
• Medline Plus. (2004). Medical Encyclopedia: Emphysema. Retrieved December 23, 2005 from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000136.htm

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