Emphysema Life Expectancy
As most of the patients do not get their diagnosis until stage 2 or stage 3 of emphysema, the prognosis and life expectancy is often poor. The average life expectancy is almost five years. A proper treatment course and early detection can play a huge role in decreasing the progression of emphysema. It is a better idea to look out for the warning signs of the disease, which include fatigue, weight loss, wheezing, frequent coughing, blueness in lips or fingernail beds, and chest tightness. Normally, the initial stages of emphysema only depict the symptoms like persistent cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath while a person is under exertion, during a long walk. [7]
The biggest risk factor for the development of emphysema is a history of tobacco. A frequent and prolonged exposure to a number of air irritants like second-hand smoke, exhaust, fumes, and dust may also increase the risk of developing emphysema. If a person has family members with emphysema, then his risk is higher than normal people. Family history proves to be a deadly risk factor and reduces the life expectancy of people having emphysema even if they do not smoke at all. Increasing age is another risk factor that reduces the life expectancy and prognosis in people having emphysema. People between the ages of 60 and 40 years are at higher risk of developing emphysema complications.
While there is no complete for emphysema, a person can considerably slow down the progression of symptoms. The first step is to cease all the bad habits at once that might be aggravating and irritating the emphysema. Some of these habits include smoking cigarette, marijuana, or vape. People who smoke and get the diagnosis of emphysema can greatly exceed the five year average life expectancy by quitting the cigarette immediately. With the progression of emphysema, you cannot halt the symptoms which make your life more uncomfortable including the shortness of breath and chest tightness.
A proper treatment involving medications can remove breathing problems in addition with the therapy programs to give new breathing techniques. Oxygen tanks can provide supplementary oxygen might use to provide rapid relief from emphysema symptoms. Moreover, even some surgical treatments are available as well to remove highly damaging tissues. You can manage your condition of emphysema and improve the life expectancy by avoiding bad habits and taking proper treatment. The five year emphysema life expectancy might look like a grim at first, but with early diagnosis, and prompt treatment.
No more exposure to air pollutants like smoking and smoke can ensure a better life expectancy and can significantly extend the number of life expectancy. Dealing with any type of emphysema can be dangerous but with a proper treatment, it is possible to increase both the duration and quality of their life. There is currently no cure available for emphysema, COPD, or chronic bronchitis. You can increase your life expectancy by getting a better understanding about the severity of your symptoms and then opting for a proper treatment. An early diagnosis and considering a detailed medical history can help in formulating the right course of treatment for emphysema.