Emphysema Case Study

Chest

Interesting facts:

• A male chest is smaller compared to a woman’s chest

As compared to a woman, a male chest is typically smaller and more muscular in nature. A woman’s chest is bigger in size as they contain mild-producing glands which are lacking in males.

• The lung is the only organ in the body that can float on water

The lungs are made up of millions of balloon-like structures called alveoli, which remove carbon-dioxide from the blood and replace it with oxygen. When the alveoli’s get filled with air, the lungs become the only organs to float on water.

• Chest movement during breathing is not the result of air movement

When we breathe in, our chest swells up and when we breathe out, our chest collapses. But these chest movements

An inflammation of the airways narrows the airways resulting in difficulty in breathing. Patients are prone to coughing fits which is accompanied by breathlessness and heavy phlegm.

• Emphysema: Emphysema is a chronic lung disease where a patient experiences difficulty in breathing. In emphysema, the lining of the air sacs in the lungs are damaged irrevocably. While there are many causes of emphysema, smoking is one of the most reasons.

Food:

• Onions

Onions possess anti-inflammatory properties which are very effective in curing chest congestion. Quercetin and sulphur compounds present in onions help break up the mucus leading to easier expulsion.

• Probiotics

Probiotics like yogurt, kefir and tempeh are known to reduce intestinal infections. Preliminary research shows that they can reduce respiratory infections too and lessen the severity of bronchitis symptoms.

• Fatty fish

Fatty fish like tuna, salmon, sardines, halibut, lake trout, flounder and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. Healthy fats like omega -3 fatty acids are known to lower the risk of infections in the chest resulting in a healthy chest.

•