nurse's notes

Pulmonary emphysema-

• complex lung disease characterized by disrtuction of the alveoli
• enlargement of distal air space and
• breakdown of alveoli walls

Causes:

• excessive smoking
• air pollution
• progression of chronic respiratory infections
• exposure to air irritants like gasses or chemical pollution
• aged persons are prone due to in ability to move or coughing and failure of frequent deep breathing exercises
• allergy

Sign and Symptoms:

• cough
• dyspnea
• symptoms of infection as fever, chill
  

Management:

• avoid excessive smoking
• avoid exposure to something that make him allergic
• bronchodilators per doctor's order
• anti-microbial agents for infection
• steroids for the inflammatory effects
• oxygen therapy for hypoxemia

Reference : medical nursing books and my nursing notes