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Pulmonary emphysema, a chronic lung condition that affects the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli), is often characterized by shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, sleep and heart problems, weight loss and depression. Emphysema usually develops over time, as elastic fibers in the alveoli become damaged by smoking or exposure to air pollution, fumes or dust. Hereditary factors may also play a role.
Unfortunately, emphysema is not a reversible condition -- though physicians at UVa can improve quality of life by relieving the symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. 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, lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is a viable option. LVRS is a procedure in which damaged, nonfunctioning portions of the lung 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 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 in much the same way that LVRS does.
