Emphysema causes shortness of breath in sufferers. It is a progressive, long term disease whereby the lung tissues required to support the function and shape of the lung are destroyed. Emphysema is described as an obstructive lung disease. The destruction of lung tissue around the bronchioles results in airways failing to hold their shape correctly when you exhale. The causes of emphysema include air pollution, your age, your sex, a deficiency of an enzyme called alpha 1 antitrypsin and heredity factors. Smoking cigarettes is by far the major cause of emphysema and is also the most preventable of the causes.

Emphysema is a condition that usually develops slowly. Symptoms of emphysema generally include:

• Shortness of breath – typically when climbing stairs
• The development of a barrel chest
• Hyperventilation
• A cough which develops due to the production of mucus
• Wheezing
• Clubbing of the fingers may occur when emphysema progresses
• Purse lipped breathing
• Tolerance for exercise decreases

The only cause of emphysema that can be controlled is smoking tobacco. People who smoke daily are putting themselves in increased danger of developing emphysema. Stopping smoking can considerably reduce the risk of developing the condition.

A lung transplant is the only known cure for emphysema. For the surgery to be a success the patient must be physically strong. The procedure, the side effects of the medication and the oxygen deprivation can cause damage to other organs such as the kidneys and heart. Lung reduction surgery is another option for people with advanced emphysema. By removing some of the dead space in the lung, surgery can sometimes improve the individual's ability to breath

The only non surgical procedure that has been proved to prolong the life of emphysema sufferers is the use of suplamental oxygen. Antibiotics can be prescribed in the hope that they reduce the episodes of shortness of breath that individuals suffer. Steroid medications can reduce inflammation in the body. Steroids can be inhaled or given orally but not everyone will respond to steroid therapy. Bronchodilating medications allow for improved air exchange by causing the air passages to open more fully. Bronchodilators are often the first treatment that a doctor will subscribe for sufferers of emphysema.

Emphysema is a chronic condition that can require life time treatment. Hospital care and out patient treatment away from your home country can be very costly. Generally international health insurance plans provide cover for chronic conditions where there is no pre-existing condition at the point of policy commencement. Expat medical insurance can take care of your medical needs regardless of where you are in the world. The plans are guaranteed renewable giving you the peace of mind that you will always be covered. If you would like to discuss your international health insurance needs, please feel free to contact our expert consultants.