Compare and Contrast Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis
Compare and Contrast Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis
The damages caused by these conditions to these air sacs result into a difficulty in breathing which is experienced by people suffering from these conditions. The other similarity between these conditions is that they are both incurable. However, they can be maintained through medication. A person suffering from Emphysema or Chronic Bronchitis should begin from quitting smoking and other exposures to second hand smoking. Then, they should visit a medical facility to be prescribed appropriate medicines such as bronchodilators, supplemental oxygen and anti-inflammatories (steroids). This is the only recommended way through which they can maintain a healthier life.
The above similarities may make it difficult to distinguish these diseases. However, this should not make people assume that they are just one similar condition. They have lots of differences that are discussed herein. Even if their symptoms may appear the same, the primary and distinguishing symptom of Emphysema is shortness of breath. As already explained, this is caused by the destruction of the alveoli. On the other hand, Chronic Bronchitis is associated with a chronic cough accompanied with thick smelly sputum. According to a series of medical researches, this thick sputum is always produced in large quantities making them difficult to expel. This justifies why they block airwaves and leads to respiratory infections such as shortness of the breath. On the other hand, Emphysema does not produce as much sputum as compared to Chronic Bronchitis. Unlike Chronic Bronchitis which damages the air sacs, it causes the inflammations of the lung tubes. This clearly distinguishes them (Halbert, R.J. et al., 2006).
The other difference between these conditions is that Chronic Bronchitis is more severe than Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis. Besides, it is an irreversible condition which can not be cured. Once a person is diagnosed with it, he should seek to adopt a recommended lifestyle which will keep him away from the pollutants. At the same time, they should use inhalers to help them maintain their condition. However, Emphysema is less chronic. Unlike Chronic Bronchitis, it is less severe and may be treated using the right medications. Thus, it is necessary for one to use medications and stop the exposures to smoking and other pollutants. However, while doing this, they should know that it may also affect young children who may inherit it from their parents.
References
Halbert, R.J. et al. (September 2006). "Global burden of COPD: systematic review and meta-
analysis". Eur. Respir. J. 28 (3): 523–32.
Spiro, S. (2012). Clinical respiratory medicine expert consult (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA:
Saunders.
