Emphysema belongs to a group of lung diseases referred to as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In the most basic terms, COPD is characterized by airflow obstruction in the lungs and difficulty breathing. With emphysema this is usually because the alveoli, or air sacs, in the lung have been damaged by smoking or by exposure to air pollution, fumes or dust. Hereditary factors may also play a role. Unfortunately, COPD is not a reversible condition -- though physicians at UVa can improve quality of life by relieving the symptoms and slowing the progression of emphysema and other forms of COPD, such as chronic bronchitis.
Treatment options at UVa
UVa's lung experts offer a range of treatments available at very few medical centers. Specialists from pulmonary medicine, thoracic surgery and transplant services review diagnostic information collected during initial patient visits. For certain patients -- like Brenda Wilson -- lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is a viable option. LVRS is a procedure where damaged, nonfunctioning portions of the lung (usually in the upper lobe) are removed in order to increase a patient's capacity for physical exertion and ability to breathe more easily. The surgical removal of the damaged lung tissue actually provides more room for the remaining lung to function properly.
Other treatments for COPD include clinical trials, oxygen supplementation and a wide range of traditional and trial medications. One new clinical trial involves a minimally invasive procedure in which small, intrabronchial valves are inserted into the lungs, in essence shutting off the nonfunctioning portions of the lung much in the same way that LVRS does. These valves do not allow air to enter the damaged portion of the lung, but do permit mucous and other fluids to escape.
To find out more about COPD treatment at UVa or to make an appointment for an evaluation, call 800-251-3627.
