Best Emphysema Doctors in Mumbai

Emphysema is a long-term, progressive disease of the lungs that primarily causes shortness of breath due to damage to the fragile air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs that move oxygen to your blood and carbon dioxide out of your lungs. It falls under the umbrella of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an inflammatory lung condition. The primary cause of emphysema is smoking. However, exposure to air pollution, occupational hazards, and secondhand smoke are also notable risk factors. A rare genetic disorder, known as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can also cause emphysema.

Mumbai like other Indian cities is implementing public health programs to address air quality and smoking cessation, aiming to reduce the risk of several conditions like emphysema for residents. Complementing its public health initiatives, Mumbai provides access to some of India's top doctors. Apollo hospital in Mumbai has some of the best Emphysema doctors who are geared up to provide expert care for those afflicted with this condition.

Types/Stages of Emphysema

Emphysema can be classified into four stages based on lung function - ranging from mild to very severe:

• Mild: Characterised by slight breathing difficulty during physical activities.

• Moderate: Noticeable shortness of breath even during light activities.

• Severe: Significant breathing problems making daily activities challenging.

• Very Severe: Breathlessness even at rest, requiring continuous use of medications and/or oxygen.

Symptoms of Emphysema

Patients with emphysema may experience varying symptoms such as:

• Persistent cough with or without mucus

• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities

• Wheezing

• Chest tightness and discomfort

  Tests to Diagnose Emphysema

  Emphysema doctors at Apollo Hospitals in Mumbai employ various diagnostic tests to accurately determine emphysema, which includes:

• Pulmonary Function Test (PFT): Assesses lung function by measuring the amount and speed of air a patient can inhale and exhale.

• Chest X-ray: Provides images of the lungs to check for any abnormalities.

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: Gives a detailed cross-sectional image of the lungs. It can be useful for detecting and diagnosing emphysema.

• Arterial Blood Gas Analysis: Measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

  Treatment or Surgery Options for Emphysema at Apollo Hospitals in Mumbai

Doctors for emphysema treatment at Apollo Hospitals offer comprehensive treatment options, tailored to each patient's condition. These include:

• Lifestyle Changes: Encouraging patients to quit smoking. It’s the most important step you can take to protect your lungs.

• Medication: Use of bronchodilators, steroids, and antibiotics to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

• Oxygen Therapy: Administered in severe cases with low oxygen levels in the blood.

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Includes exercise programmes and disease management training that help reduce breathlessness

• Surgery: For some patients with severe emphysema who don't experience sufficient improvement with other therapies, advanced options like lung volume reduction surgery or lung transplantation can offer renewed lung function.