Brief Answer:
Medications;therapy;surgery as treatment lines for emphysema...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Emphysema is an obstructive pulmonary disease as many others falling into this groups of lungs diseases. It is characterized by larger air space inside the lungs instead of many small ones normally present. Consequently, the surface area of the lungs is reduced together with the amount of oxygen reaching the bloodstream.

With regards to treatment, it aims in relieving the symptoms and slowing the progress of the disease.

The treatment includes:
- meds: bronchodilatators (to relieve coughing); inhaled steroids (relieve shortness of breath); antibiotics (treating common bacterial infections)
- therapy : pulmonary rehabilitation (inhaling-exhaling exercises); nutritional therapy and supplemental oxygen
- surgery: lung reduction surgery; lung transplant

The treatment will be decided depending on:
- severity of the symptoms
- age of patient
- other co-morbidities (diseases)

Hope it answered to your main query! Let me know if you have other questions!
Dr.Albana

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