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X-ray Showed Mild Panlobular Emphysematous. What Does This Mean?

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Posted on Fri, 8 Mar 2013
Question: exay findings mild panlobular emphysemtous change
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Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (2 hours later)
Hello,

Thanks for the query.

You reported X-ray chest findings here; however it is not clear what you want to discuss about. Therefore I shall try and provide you with a brief over view of this condition.

Panlobular emphysema means that entire respiratory lobule, from respiratory bronchiole to alveoli, has expanded. 

In people with emphysema, the tissues are destroyed which are necessary to support the physical shape and function of the lungs.  Here the air sacs are unable to hold their functional shape upon exhalation. Thus people with this disease suffer a buildup of carbon dioxide in their blood, which generates dyspnea (difficult breathing). When emphysema is mild, dyspnea occurs only during physical activity. Eventually, as the disease progresses, dyspnea will occur after even small amounts of physical exertion. On the other hand, if the lungs are compromised badly enough, the victim may feel short of breath all the time - even when at rest, relaxing. Individuals with severe emphysema eventually may have trouble coughing and decreased amounts of sputum.

Emphysema is an irreversible degenerative condition and is most often caused by tobacco smoking and long-term exposure to air pollution. A person with emphysema should stop smoking and avoid all exposure to cigarette smoke and lung irritants. 

Management and treatment is done by supporting the breathing with anticholinergics, bronchodilators, steroid medication (inhaled or oral),  and supplemental oxygen as required. Supplemental oxygen used is the only non-surgical treatment which has been shown to prolong life in emphysema patients. 
The only known CURE for emphysema is lung transplant, but only a few patients are strong enough physically to tolerate and survive the surgery.

"Since your emphysema is mild,you can be managed with medicines. However you must take all the precautions along with medicines and pulmonary rehabilitation programme."

I hope it helps. However you may revert to me for any other query.

Good luck!!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1978

Answered : 6704 Questions

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X-ray Showed Mild Panlobular Emphysematous. What Does This Mean?

Hello,

Thanks for the query.

You reported X-ray chest findings here; however it is not clear what you want to discuss about. Therefore I shall try and provide you with a brief over view of this condition.

Panlobular emphysema means that entire respiratory lobule, from respiratory bronchiole to alveoli, has expanded. 

In people with emphysema, the tissues are destroyed which are necessary to support the physical shape and function of the lungs.  Here the air sacs are unable to hold their functional shape upon exhalation. Thus people with this disease suffer a buildup of carbon dioxide in their blood, which generates dyspnea (difficult breathing). When emphysema is mild, dyspnea occurs only during physical activity. Eventually, as the disease progresses, dyspnea will occur after even small amounts of physical exertion. On the other hand, if the lungs are compromised badly enough, the victim may feel short of breath all the time - even when at rest, relaxing. Individuals with severe emphysema eventually may have trouble coughing and decreased amounts of sputum.

Emphysema is an irreversible degenerative condition and is most often caused by tobacco smoking and long-term exposure to air pollution. A person with emphysema should stop smoking and avoid all exposure to cigarette smoke and lung irritants. 

Management and treatment is done by supporting the breathing with anticholinergics, bronchodilators, steroid medication (inhaled or oral),  and supplemental oxygen as required. Supplemental oxygen used is the only non-surgical treatment which has been shown to prolong life in emphysema patients. 
The only known CURE for emphysema is lung transplant, but only a few patients are strong enough physically to tolerate and survive the surgery.

"Since your emphysema is mild,you can be managed with medicines. However you must take all the precautions along with medicines and pulmonary rehabilitation programme."

I hope it helps. However you may revert to me for any other query.

Good luck!!