Emphysema and chronic bronchitis have many similarities in their symptomology, and these forms of the disease are difficult to distinguish. Both conditions are kinds of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is characterized by inflammatory processes in the lungs. These processes lead to the development of complications and affect breathing, making it more difficult. Smoking is a major cause of these conditions, and many people who suffer from one of them have the other as well (Tuder, 2017). The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Bronchial tubes in the human body are responsible for carrying air to and from the lungs. Bronchitis occurs when bronchial tubes become inflamed, leading to the development of a productive cough. A form of bronchitis that lasts for more than two years is considered chronic (Tuder, 2017). Emphysema, on the other hand, has a different effect on the human lungs. This condition is caused by damaged alveoli and leads to their further weakening and destruction. This disease leads to the exposure of the bloodstream to less oxygen (Tuder, 2017). As a result, people with this disease experience shortened breath and tiredness due to the lack of oxygen. Because of the difference in mechanisms in which they affect human lungs, emphysema and chronic bronchitis also require different kinds of therapy. Emphysema does not have a cure, but there are modern treatments for this condition that can help alleviate the symptoms and improve the well-being of the patient. Bronchitis can be managed with medical interventions, especially with an early diagnosis.
Thus, despite the many similarities in symptoms of the two conditions, emphysema and chronic bronchitis affect people in very different ways. Modern medicine has developed new approaches to treat these forms of the disease, but they remain especially resistant to therapy. The best way to avoid these conditions is to refrain from smoking, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and consult with a doctor when any first symptoms appear.
Reference
Tuder, R. M. (2017). Pathology of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. In S.-D. Lee (Ed.), COPD: Heterogeneity and personalized treatment (pp. 17-33). Berlin, Germany: Springer.