EMPHYSEMA AND OXYGENATION 1
NR 283
Emphysema and Oxygenation
NR 283 - Pathophysiology
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Concept Process: Emphysema and Oxygenation
Emphysema is a type of COPD involving damage to the alveoli. Due to this, your body is
unable to get the amount of oxygen it needs. It is thought that emphysema may be caused by a
genetic deficiency, air pollution, and manufacturing fumes that irritate your lungs. The most
common cause is cigarette smoking. In people with emphysema, the lung tissue involved in the
exchange of gases is destroyed. There is a loss of elastic recoil of the alveoli, which leads to air
not being able to be expelled from the alveoli. Emphysema goes unnoticed for many years
without any signs or symptoms.
When there are symptoms present they typically include shortness of breath, pallor,
cyanosis, and chronic cough. Some other symptoms are dizziness, anxiety, stress, fatigue, and
difficulty sleeping or staying asleep throughout the night. Even though, emphysema can't be
cured there are treatments that can help relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the
disease. One of these treatments is called a bronchodilator. A bronchodilator is used to help
relieve coughing, shortness of breath by relaxing constricted airways. Another form of treatment
is a medication classified as a corticosteroid. These types of drugs are inhaled to help relieve
shortness of breath.
The best option to optimize treatments is to stop smoking and avoid harmful/hazardous
chemicals around you. When in doubt of exposure it could be beneficial to have respirator
NR 283
Emphysema and Oxygenation
NR 283 - Pathophysiology
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Concept Process: Emphysema and Oxygenation
Emphysema is a type of COPD involving damage to the alveoli. Due to this, your body is
unable to get the amount of oxygen it needs. It is thought that emphysema may be caused by a
genetic deficiency, air pollution, and manufacturing fumes that irritate your lungs. The most
common cause is cigarette smoking. In people with emphysema, the lung tissue involved in the
exchange of gases is destroyed. There is a loss of elastic recoil of the alveoli, which leads to air
not being able to be expelled from the alveoli. Emphysema goes unnoticed for many years
without any signs or symptoms.
When there are symptoms present they typically include shortness of breath, pallor,
cyanosis, and chronic cough. Some other symptoms are dizziness, anxiety, stress, fatigue, and
difficulty sleeping or staying asleep throughout the night. Even though, emphysema can't be
cured there are treatments that can help relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the
disease. One of these treatments is called a bronchodilator. A bronchodilator is used to help
relieve coughing, shortness of breath by relaxing constricted airways. Another form of treatment
is a medication classified as a corticosteroid. These types of drugs are inhaled to help relieve
shortness of breath.
The best option to optimize treatments is to stop smoking and avoid harmful/hazardous
chemicals around you. When in doubt of exposure it could be beneficial to have respirator
