{"id":1156,"date":"2025-12-08T14:42:29","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T12:42:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/?page_id=1156"},"modified":"2026-03-06T12:43:44","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T10:43:44","slug":"emphysema-treatment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/emphysema-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Emphysema Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1346491655\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n  <div id=\"page-header-1565182665\" class=\"page-header-wrapper\">\n  <div class=\"page-title dark simple-title\">\n\n    \n    <div class=\"page-title-inner container align-center text-center flex-row-col medium-flex-wrap\" >\n              <div class=\"title-wrapper is-larger flex-col\">\n          <h1 class=\"entry-title mb-0\">\n            Emphysema Treatment          <\/h1>\n        <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"title-content flex-col\">\n        <div class=\"title-breadcrumbs pb-half pt-half\"><\/div>      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n       <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  \n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1346491655 {\n  padding-top: 15px;\n  padding-bottom: 15px;\n  background-color: #3c338e;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_2027663840\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1718472338\">\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1734214690\" class=\"col small-12 large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n<p>Emphysema is a chronic lung disease characterized by the irreversible enlargement of the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs and the destruction of their walls. This condition reduces the elasticity of the lungs and impairs oxygen exchange. The most common cause is long-term smoking.<\/p>\n<p>Symptoms of emphysema and diagnostic methods usually present as progressive shortness of breath, chronic cough, and reduced exercise capacity. In diagnosis, pulmonary function tests, chest X-ray, and computed tomography are used to determine the extent and type of the disease.<\/p>\n<p>Treatment options for emphysema vary according to the stage of the disease. While bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids are commonly used in medical treatment, oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation are recommended in advanced cases. Surgical intervention is rarely considered in selected cases.<\/p>\n<p>Quality of life and prevention methods in emphysema can be improved by quitting smoking, protecting against air pollution, and regular physical activity. Early diagnosis and regular follow-up are critically important in preventing complications. Vaccinations are also effective in reducing the risk of infection.<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Things You Need to Know<\/td>\n<td>Information<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Definition<\/td>\n<td>Emphysema is one of the subgroups of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As a result of the destruction of alveolar walls, abnormal air spaces form due to the merging of the air sacs, which impairs gas exchange.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Causes<\/td>\n<td>The most common cause is smoking. In addition, air pollution, occupational dust and gas exposure, and genetic factors (e.g. alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency) also play a role.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Risk Factors<\/td>\n<td>Smoking, passive smoking, age, male sex, air pollution, family history of COPD, long-term exposure to chemicals.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Symptoms<\/td>\n<td>Shortness of breath (especially with exertion), chronic cough, sputum, wheezing, enlargement of the chest cage (barrel chest), weight loss, fatigue.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Diagnostic Methods<\/td>\n<td>Pulmonary function tests (especially decreased FEV1\/FVC ratio), chest X-ray, high-resolution CT (HRCT), arterial blood gas analysis, measurement of alpha-1 antitrypsin level.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Course of the Disease<\/td>\n<td>It is progressive and chronic. Complete treatment is not possible due to irreversible damage in the lung tissue, but progression can be slowed.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Complications<\/td>\n<td>Respiratory failure, pneumothorax (collapsed lung), lung infections, pulmonary hypertension, right heart failure (cor pulmonale).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Treatment Approach<\/td>\n<td>Treatment aims to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and slow progression.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Drug Treatment<\/td>\n<td>Bronchodilators (beta-agonists, anticholinergics), inhaled corticosteroids, mucolytics, antibiotics (in case of infection), oxygen therapy.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Other Treatments<\/td>\n<td>Pulmonary rehabilitation, exercise programs, smoking cessation support, nutritional adjustments.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Surgical Options<\/td>\n<td>If indicated: Lung volume reduction surgery, bullectomy, lung transplantation in advanced stages.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Lifestyle Changes<\/td>\n<td>Absolute smoking cessation, protection from air pollution, receiving flu and pneumonia vaccines, increasing physical activity, balanced nutrition.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Follow-up<\/td>\n<td>Regular pulmonary function tests, monitoring of medication side effects, early treatment of acute exacerbations, annual flu and pneumococcal vaccines.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Prognosis<\/td>\n<td>Progression of the disease is slow but irreversible. Prognosis is better in non-smokers and individuals compliant with treatment.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1734214690 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -40px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_2027663840 {\n  padding-top: 30px;\n  padding-bottom: 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_75289248\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-424136810\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-208797781\" class=\"col small-12 large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\" style=\"background-color:#3c338e;\" >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1577240898\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1255398242\" class=\"col medium-4 small-12 large-4\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner dark\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t<div class=\"img has-hover x md-x lg-x y md-y lg-y\" id=\"image_282592301\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"img-inner dark\" >\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"525\" height=\"776\" src=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/hakkimdagorsel.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/hakkimdagorsel.webp 525w, https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/hakkimdagorsel-271x400.webp 271w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px\" title=\"\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#image_282592301 {\n  width: 100%;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1255398242 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -20px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1045161520\" class=\"col medium-8 small-12 large-8\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner dark\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t<div id=\"text-4047794691\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<div>Prof. Dr. <strong>Alper F\u0131nd\u0131k\u00e7\u0131o\u011flu<\/strong><\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-4047794691 {\n  font-size: 2rem;\n}\n@media (min-width:550px) {\n  #text-4047794691 {\n    font-size: 2.25rem;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"gap-65115815\" class=\"gap-element clearfix\" style=\"display:block; height:auto;\">\n\t\t\n<style>\n#gap-65115815 {\n  padding-top: 20px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n<p>I was born in Istanbul in 1973. I completed my primary education at Erzincan \u0130n\u00f6n\u00fc Primary School and my secondary and high school education at Erzurum Anatolian High School. I completed my university education at Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine between 1992\u20131998. Afterwards, I completed my specialization between 1998\u20132003 at the Istanbul Dr. Siyami Ersek Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic. I worked as a specialist at the same hospital for 1 year.<\/p>\n<p>Between 2004\u20132005, I fulfilled my military service at G\u00fclhane Military Medical Academy. In 2005, I started working as a lecturer at Ba\u015fkent University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Thoracic Surgery. I became an associate professor in 2014 and a professor in 2022.<\/p>\n<p><strong>I started working at Ac\u0131badem Hospital in 2024.<\/strong><\/p>\n<a href=\"\/en\/about-me\/\" class=\"button white is-outline\" style=\"border-radius:99px;\">\n\t\t<span>About Me<\/span>\n\t<\/a>\n\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send\/?phone=905457705745\" class=\"button success\" style=\"border-radius:99px;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t<span>WhatsApp<\/span>\n\t<i class=\"icon-whatsapp\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/a>\n\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1045161520 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -20px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-208797781 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 30px 20px 0px 20px;\n  margin: 0px 0px -30px 0px;\n  border-radius: 20px;\n}\n@media (min-width:550px) {\n  #col-208797781 > .col-inner {\n    padding: 30px 30px 0px 30px;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_75289248 {\n  padding-top: 0px;\n  padding-bottom: 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_929224751\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1119659612\">\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1274111078\" class=\"col small-12 large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/emphysema-treatment\/#What_Is_Emphysema\" >What Is Emphysema?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/emphysema-treatment\/#How_does_emphysema_disease_change_the_structure_of_our_lungs\" >How does emphysema disease change the structure of our lungs?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/emphysema-treatment\/#What_are_the_causes_that_are_risk_factors_in_the_development_of_emphysema\" >What are the causes that are risk factors in the development of emphysema?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/emphysema-treatment\/#How_does_the_distribution_of_emphysema_shape_the_treatment_strategy\" >How does the distribution of emphysema shape the treatment strategy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/emphysema-treatment\/#In_which_situations_is_the_decision_made_for_surgical_or_interventional_treatment\" >In which situations is the decision made for surgical or interventional treatment?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/emphysema-treatment\/#How_does_the_Lung_Volume_Reduction_Surgery_LVRS_process_work\" >How does the Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS) process work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/emphysema-treatment\/#What_is_bullous_emphysema_and_why_is_bullectomy_performed\" >What is bullous emphysema and why is bullectomy performed?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/emphysema-treatment\/#What_are_the_bronchoscopic_treatment_options_for_those_not_suitable_for_surgery\" >What are the bronchoscopic treatment options for those not suitable for surgery?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/emphysema-treatment\/#When_does_the_lung_transplantation_process_begin_for_emphysema_patients\" >When does the lung transplantation process begin for emphysema patients?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/emphysema-treatment\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Emphysema\"><\/span>What Is Emphysema?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Emphysema is a chronic and progressive lung disease that develops as a result of damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs and loss of their elasticity. The most common cause is long-term smoking. Destruction of the alveolar walls reduces oxygen exchange and leads to shortness of breath. Emphysema, which is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), requires early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to keep symptoms under control.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_emphysema_disease_change_the_structure_of_our_lungs\"><\/span>How does emphysema disease change the structure of our lungs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Emphysema, in the simplest terms, is the condition in which lung tissue is slowly and irreversibly destroyed. Normally, a healthy lung has an extremely elastic structure; it expands when you inhale and spontaneously returns to its former state when you exhale, just like a stretched rubber band. The structures that provide this miraculous elasticity are the millions of tiny air sacs called &#8220;alveoli&#8221; located at the farthest points of the lung. The gas exchange vital for our body, namely the transfer of oxygen into the blood and the removal of stale air (carbon dioxide), takes place in these sacs.<\/p>\n<p>However, when emphysema develops, the walls of these alveoli break down and that magnificent elastic structure is lost. We can liken this to the walls of grapes in a bunch collapsing and turning into a single gigantic but nonfunctional balloon. This causes two main problems in our patients. First, the surface area available for gas exchange decreases dramatically. Second, and perhaps the problem that troubles our patients most in daily life, is the loss of the lung\u2019s &#8220;elastic recoil&#8221; power. The lung cannot collapse and empty the stale air inside it. As a result, a certain amount of air becomes trapped inside with every breath. In medical language, we call this &#8220;hyperinflation,&#8221; meaning overinflation. Because the lungs are constantly full and swollen, the patient cannot find room to take in new and fresh air. It creates a feeling as if you have taken a deep breath and are trying to breathe again without exhaling it.<\/p>\n<p>Emphysema is frequently seen together with Chronic Bronchitis, and these two conditions are grouped under the umbrella of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). While inflammation and narrowing of the airways are prominent in chronic bronchitis, tissue destruction is dominant in emphysema. As a surgeon, the most critical point for us is to distinguish whether the patient\u2019s shortness of breath is mainly caused by airway obstruction or by this overinflation and tissue destruction due to emphysema. Because surgical and interventional treatments yield favorable results especially in cases where emphysema is predominant.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_causes_that_are_risk_factors_in_the_development_of_emphysema\"><\/span>What are the causes that are risk factors in the development of emphysema?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The undisputed biggest culprit in the development of emphysema is tobacco use. Cigarette smoke directly causes cellular destruction by disabling the mechanisms that protect lung tissue. Symptoms of emphysema generally become apparent in long-term smokers aged 55 and over, as lung performance combines with the natural aging process. However, not every emphysema patient is caused by smoking.<\/p>\n<p>There is a group of patients, seen more rarely but very important for us in terms of management. These individuals have a genetic deficiency of a protein called &#8220;Alpha-1 Antitrypsin&#8221; (AAT). Under normal conditions, this protein is responsible for protecting the lungs. In its deficiency, even if the person has never smoked or has smoked very little, we may still encounter a severe emphysema picture at a young age. The emphysema caused by this genetic condition follows a different course from classic smoking-related emphysema. Usually, more intense damage is seen in the lower regions of the lung, and the disease may progress more aggressively. For this reason, in every patient who presents to us with shortness of breath, especially if they are in a young age group, we definitely perform this genetic screening. If these patients deteriorate rapidly despite medical treatments, it may be necessary to evaluate lung transplantation earlier rather than surgical volume reduction.<\/p>\n<p>In general, the main factors that trigger the development of emphysema are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Long-term tobacco use<\/li>\n<li>Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency<\/li>\n<li>Advanced age<\/li>\n<li>History of chronic bronchitis<\/li>\n<li>Exposure to air pollution<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_the_distribution_of_emphysema_shape_the_treatment_strategy\"><\/span>How does the distribution of emphysema shape the treatment strategy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When we look at our patient\u2019s lung films and tomography scans, simply diagnosing &#8220;there is emphysema&#8221; is not enough for treatment planning. The most vital question for us is this: &#8220;Where is the emphysema located in the lung and how is it distributed?&#8221; The success of the treatment we apply depends almost entirely on the map of this distribution. Basically, we speak of two types of distribution, and this distinction determines the patient\u2019s fate.<\/p>\n<p>The first type is called Heterogeneous Emphysema. In this case, the disease is much more severe in certain regions of the lung, often in the upper lobes, while other regions remain relatively healthier. This means there is a &#8220;target&#8221; for us in surgical terms. If we remove or disable that severely damaged, nonfunctional bad region of the lung that only occupies space, we can allow the remaining healthier tissues that were compressed to expand and function comfortably. Methods such as Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS) or endobronchial valves work best in this group.<\/p>\n<p>The second type is the picture of Homogeneous Emphysema. Here, the disease is spread almost equally throughout the lung. There is no specific &#8220;rotten area&#8221; that we can remove or close off, because everything is affected to the same degree. In these patients, surgical removal is generally not appropriate because the tissue that would remain is at least as damaged as the tissue removed. In this case, different non-surgical bronchoscopic methods are considered, or if the disease is very advanced, lung transplantation is considered. According to international criteria, the presence of homogeneous emphysema alone may be considered a reason for being placed on the lung transplant list.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_which_situations_is_the_decision_made_for_surgical_or_interventional_treatment\"><\/span>In which situations is the decision made for surgical or interventional treatment?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Unfortunately, emphysema is not a disease that can be completely eliminated, but it is definitely a manageable condition. In the first stage, we make our patients quit smoking, start bronchodilator inhaler medications, and apply pulmonary rehabilitation. However, in some of our patients, shortness of breath continues to progress despite all these &#8220;maximal&#8221; medical treatments. The patient has difficulty moving even inside the house, becomes breathless while going from one room to another, and quality of life declines significantly.<\/p>\n<p>This is exactly the point where surgical or interventional volume reduction strategies come into play, that is, at the &#8220;blockage&#8221; point where medications are no longer sufficient. Our aim is not to eliminate the disease completely but to make a mechanical correction. Since the lungs are overinflated in emphysema, the chest cage expands and pushes our most important breathing muscle, the diaphragm, downward and flattens it. A flattened diaphragm muscle cannot contract and the patient has great difficulty breathing. With volume reduction procedures, by shrinking those useless air reservoirs, we enable the diaphragm to dome upward again and function properly. This mechanical relief increases the patient\u2019s exercise capacity by providing the benefit they could not get from medications.<\/p>\n<p>When making this decision, we adopt a multidisciplinary approach. The specialties involved in the decision-making process are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pulmonology<\/li>\n<li>Radiology<\/li>\n<li>Pulmonary Rehabilitation<\/li>\n<li>Thoracic Surgery<\/li>\n<li>Nuclear Medicine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1274111078 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -40px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_929224751 {\n  padding-top: 30px;\n  padding-bottom: 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_372877203\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-914637928\">\r\n\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-203725543\" class=\"col iletisim-sayfas\u0131-col small-12 large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-color:rgb(218, 61, 96);border-width:2px 2px 2px 2px;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n<div class=\"row align-middle\"  id=\"row-1838794785\">\r\n\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-2096619760\" class=\"col medium-11 small-7 large-11\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t<div id=\"text-447611202\" class=\"text hide-for-medium\">\n\t\t\r\n\r\n<p><strong>You can contact us via WhatsApp.<\/strong><br \/>To get information about treatments, simply click the button next to it. Our professional team will contact you immediately.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\r\n\t<div id=\"text-2748160640\" class=\"text show-for-small\">\n\t\t\r\n\r\n<p><strong>You can contact us via WhatsApp.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-2096619760 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -30px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1812749637\" class=\"col medium-1 small-4 large-1\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner text-right\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t<div class=\"img has-hover x md-x lg-x y md-y lg-y\" id=\"image_1734260356\">\n\t\t<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send\/?phone=905457705745\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"img-inner dark\" >\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/whatsapp.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/whatsapp.png 500w, https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/whatsapp-400x400.png 400w, https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/whatsapp-280x280.png 280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" title=\"\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\t\t\n<style>\n#image_1734260356 {\n  width: 100%;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1812749637 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -15px 0px;\n}\n@media (min-width:550px) {\n  #col-1812749637 > .col-inner {\n    margin: 0px 0px -15px 0px;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-203725543 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 15px 10px 0px 10px;\n  margin: 0px 0px -30px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_372877203 {\n  padding-top: 0px;\n  padding-bottom: 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_104463959\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-924096792\">\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1808303951\" class=\"col small-12 large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_the_Lung_Volume_Reduction_Surgery_LVRS_process_work\"><\/span>How does the Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS) process work?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Lung Volume Reduction Surgery is a palliative, meaning relieving, but highly effective surgical method that we developed especially for patients with heterogeneous emphysema affecting the upper lobes. In this surgery, our basic philosophy is based on the principle that &#8220;less is more.&#8221; We surgically remove approximately 25 to 30 percent of the lung that is most damaged, has impaired blood supply, and only causes air trapping.<\/p>\n<p>Today, we generally perform this procedure with the closed method, namely Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS). This surgery, which we perform through small openings in the chest cage, accelerates the patient\u2019s recovery process and significantly reduces pain. After the surgery, that major congestion inside the chest cage decreases. The diaphragm and chest wall muscles return to their ideal positions. The remaining healthy lung tissue can expand and contract more comfortably because the pressure on it is relieved.<\/p>\n<p>This surgery provides a significant increase in lung functions. However, more important than the numbers is the serious reduction in our patients\u2019 feeling of &#8220;not being able to breathe.&#8221; Their walking distances increase, and they become able to perform their personal care, bathing, and dressing more comfortably. However, this surgery is suitable for patients who have a certain reserve in pulmonary function tests. In patients whose reserve is very, very low, surgical risk may be high.<\/p>\n<p>The features we look for in suitable candidates for LVRS are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Presence of heterogeneous emphysema<\/li>\n<li>Upper lobe involvement<\/li>\n<li>Acceptable FEV1 value<\/li>\n<li>Smoking cessation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_bullous_emphysema_and_why_is_bullectomy_performed\"><\/span>What is bullous emphysema and why is bullectomy performed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Sometimes within emphysematous lung tissue, small air sacs combine to form gigantic air spaces. We call these &#8220;Bullae.&#8221; You can think of bullae as large balloons with very thin walls that are swollen inside the lung. These structures contribute nothing to gas exchange and, on the contrary, prevent surrounding healthy lung tissue from functioning by putting pressure on it.<\/p>\n<p>Bullae not only increase shortness of breath, but they are also a risk element ready to rupture. When a bulla ruptures, air leaks from the lung into the chest cavity and the lung collapses (Pneumothorax). This is an emergency condition that manifests with sudden severe chest pain and shortness of breath. If a bulla occupies more than one-third of the lung or creates serious compression symptoms in the patient, we remove this structure with an operation called &#8220;Bullectomy.&#8221; This both corrects the current shortness of breath and eliminates the risk of sudden rupture and collapse that may occur in the future.<\/p>\n<p>The conditions that pave the way for bulla formation are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Smoking<\/li>\n<li>Tuberculosis damage<\/li>\n<li>Sarcoidosis<\/li>\n<li>Genetic connective tissue diseases<\/li>\n<li>Marfan syndrome<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1808303951 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -40px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_104463959 {\n  padding-top: 30px;\n  padding-bottom: 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1910215237\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1468383539\">\r\n\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1871871670\" class=\"col iletisim-sayfas\u0131-col small-12 large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-color:rgb(60, 51, 142);border-width:2px 2px 2px 2px;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n<div class=\"row align-middle\"  id=\"row-1251820984\">\r\n\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1048200781\" class=\"col medium-11 small-7 large-11\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t<div id=\"text-3569795714\" class=\"text hide-for-medium\">\n\t\t\r\n\r\n<p><strong>You can contact us via WhatsApp.<\/strong><br \/>To get information about treatments, simply click the button next to it. Our professional team will contact you immediately.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\r\n\t<div id=\"text-3000249793\" class=\"text show-for-small\">\n\t\t\r\n\r\n<p><strong>You can contact us via WhatsApp.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1048200781 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -30px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-920190643\" class=\"col medium-1 small-4 large-1\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner text-right\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t<div class=\"img has-hover x md-x lg-x y md-y lg-y\" id=\"image_1922578046\">\n\t\t<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send\/?phone=905457705745\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"img-inner dark\" >\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/whatsapp.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/whatsapp.png 500w, https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/whatsapp-400x400.png 400w, https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/whatsapp-280x280.png 280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" title=\"\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\t\t\n<style>\n#image_1922578046 {\n  width: 100%;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-920190643 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -15px 0px;\n}\n@media (min-width:550px) {\n  #col-920190643 > .col-inner {\n    margin: 0px 0px -15px 0px;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1871871670 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 15px 10px 0px 10px;\n  margin: 0px 0px -30px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1910215237 {\n  padding-top: 0px;\n  padding-bottom: 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1357017180\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1686134033\">\n\n\t<div id=\"col-8810398\" class=\"col small-12 large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_bronchoscopic_treatment_options_for_those_not_suitable_for_surgery\"><\/span>What are the bronchoscopic treatment options for those not suitable for surgery?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Not every patient can tolerate open or closed surgery (LVRS) because of their general health condition or very low lung capacity. Surgery is particularly very risky for patients whose FEV1 value in the pulmonary function test has fallen below 20 percent. This is where the &#8220;Bronchoscopic Volume Reduction Treatments&#8221; (BVRT) offered by technology come into play. These procedures are performed through thin camera-equipped tubes (bronchoscopes) inserted through the trachea, without making any incisions.<\/p>\n<p>The method we use most frequently is Endobronchial Valve (EBV) placement. This method is revolutionary for patients with heterogeneous emphysema. We place tiny one-way taps (valves) at the entrance of the damaged lung lobe. While these valves allow the air and sputum inside to come out, they prevent new air from entering. Thus, that damaged area gradually collapses and shrinks. Just as in surgery, the volume decreases and the healthy tissues relax. However, there is one very critical condition for us to be able to place a valve: there must be no airflow between the lung lobes (collateral ventilation). If there are hidden air passages between the lobes, even if we close the main door with a valve, air will continue to enter through the side doors and the procedure will fail. To understand this, we use a special measurement system called &#8220;Chartis&#8221; during the procedure. Data from Turkey show that in correctly selected patients, valve placement increases the 6-minute walking distance by more than 70 meters.<\/p>\n<p>If our patient has collateral ventilation in the lung or if the disease is homogeneously distributed, the valve does not work. In this case, we use the method called Coil. We place these coils into the lung tissue. As the coils try to return to their former shape, they contract and tighten the lung tissue. This method does not create an air blockage; it mechanically increases the elasticity of the tissue.<\/p>\n<p>The current bronchoscopic treatment methods are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Endobronchial Valve<\/li>\n<li>Coil placement<\/li>\n<li>Thermal Vapor Ablation<\/li>\n<li>Biological filler materials<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_does_the_lung_transplantation_process_begin_for_emphysema_patients\"><\/span>When does the lung transplantation process begin for emphysema patients?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Lung transplantation is the &#8220;last stop&#8221; and the most radical solution route in emphysema treatment. Transplantation is considered in patients in whom we have tried all other medical, surgical, and interventional methods, but have been unable to stop disease progression, life expectancy has shortened, and quality of life has declined to an intolerable level. Making the decision for transplantation is not an easy process; its risks and aftercare process are difficult.<\/p>\n<p>When making this decision, we act according to internationally accepted criteria and the &#8220;BODE Index.&#8221; The BODE index is an important tool that allows us to express the patient\u2019s general condition numerically. If a patient\u2019s BODE score is high, pulmonary function tests are below the critical limit, and they have frequent exacerbations requiring hospitalization, volume reduction surgery or other palliative procedures will now be risky or insufficient. This means that these patients meet the criteria for transplant listing. Especially for patients with homogeneous emphysema and very advanced disease, transplantation may be the only option that increases the chance of survival. As thoracic surgeons, our duty is to relieve the patient with other methods before reaching this stage, but when the time comes, to refer them to the transplant list without delay.<\/p>\n<p>The parameters that make up the BODE index are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Body Mass Index<\/li>\n<li>Degree of airway obstruction<\/li>\n<li>Severity of shortness of breath<\/li>\n<li>Walking capacity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The criteria for being placed on the transplant list are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>BODE score being between 7 and 10<\/li>\n<li>FEV1 value being below 20 percent<\/li>\n<li>Hypercapnia attacks<\/li>\n<li>Development of pulmonary hypertension<\/li>\n<li>Presence of homogeneous emphysema<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"accordion\">\n\t<div id=\"accordion-2144127624\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-2144127624-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-what-causes-emphysema-and-which-risk-factors-are-effective?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-2144127624-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>What causes emphysema and which risk factors are effective?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-2144127624-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-2144127624-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Emphysema generally develops as a result of long-term smoking. Air pollution, genetic predisposition (especially alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency), and occupational dust exposure also play an effective role in the development of the disease.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-482112564\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-482112564-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-how-does-emphysema-progress-during-pregnancy-and-how-is-it-managed?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-482112564-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>How does emphysema progress during pregnancy and how is it managed?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-482112564-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-482112564-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Emphysema should be monitored carefully during pregnancy because the decline in respiratory functions may affect the baby\u2019s oxygenation. Smoking cessation and regular respiratory follow-up are critically important in this process.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-3938254503\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-3938254503-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-what-are-the-most-effective-lifestyle-changes-for-emphysema-patients?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-3938254503-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>What are the most effective lifestyle changes for emphysema patients?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-3938254503-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-3938254503-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Completely quitting smoking, paying attention to air quality, regular exercise, and regular use of bronchodilator medications slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-790558349\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-790558349-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-can-emphysema-turn-into-copd-over-time?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-790558349-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>Can emphysema turn into COPD over time?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-790558349-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-790558349-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Yes, emphysema is generally accepted as a form of COPD together with chronic bronchitis. Over time, lung functions may deteriorate further and progress to advanced stages of COPD.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-1206856681\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-1206856681-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-when-is-surgical-treatment-considered-in-emphysema-patients?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-1206856681-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>When is surgical treatment considered in emphysema patients?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-1206856681-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-1206856681-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>If there is severe shortness of breath that cannot be controlled with medication and a marked decline in quality of life, surgical options such as lung volume reduction surgery or, rarely, lung transplantation may come to the agenda.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-4023485012\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-4023485012-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-when-is-oxygen-therapy-started-in-emphysema-disease?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-4023485012-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>When is oxygen therapy started in emphysema disease?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-4023485012-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-4023485012-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>When the oxygen level in the blood drops below a certain threshold, usually when resting SpO\u2082 is below 88%, long-term oxygen therapy is started. This may prolong life expectancy and relieve symptoms.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-1591506834\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-1591506834-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-are-emphysema-patients-more-sensitive-to-respiratory-infections-such-as-covid-19?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-1591506834-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>Are emphysema patients more sensitive to respiratory infections such as COVID-19?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-1591506834-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-1591506834-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Yes, individuals with emphysema are more vulnerable to infections. Viruses such as COVID-19 may further worsen the already weakened lung structure, so vaccines and hygiene are very important.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-2358134674\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-2358134674-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-what-are-the-most-common-complications-seen-in-emphysema-patients?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-2358134674-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>What are the most common complications seen in emphysema patients?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-2358134674-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-2358134674-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Pneumothorax (collapsed lung), recurrent infections, pulmonary hypertension, and right heart failure are serious complications frequently encountered in advanced stages of emphysema.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-1838679171\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-1838679171-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-what-is-genetic-emphysema-and-who-is-at-risk?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-1838679171-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>What is genetic emphysema and who is at risk?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-1838679171-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-1838679171-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Genetic emphysema develops in individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. This protein deficiency prevents lung tissue from being protected against damage. Those with a family history should undergo genetic testing.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-436900601\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-436900601-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-what-are-the-safe-ways-to-exercise-in-individuals-with-emphysema?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-436900601-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>What are the safe ways to exercise in individuals with emphysema?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-436900601-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-436900601-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Light-paced walking, breathing exercises, and low-intensity activities performed with a physiotherapist are safe. Excessive exertion and cold weather conditions should be avoided.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-1669876068\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-1669876068-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-how-long-does-emphysema-treatment-last?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-1669876068-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>How Long Does Emphysema Treatment Last?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-1669876068-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-1669876068-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Emphysema treatment is a lifelong process because the disease is chronic and cannot be completely cured. The duration of treatment varies depending on the severity of the disease and the individual\u2019s lifestyle.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-1336492463\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-1336492463-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-which-department-or-doctor-should-be-consulted-for-emphysema?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-1336492463-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>Which Department or Doctor Should Be Consulted for Emphysema?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-1336492463-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-1336492463-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>The department to be consulted for the diagnosis and treatment of emphysema is Pulmonology. Follow-up of this disease, medication treatment, and pulmonary function tests are carried out by a pulmonology specialist.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-1278024405\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-1278024405-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-does-emphysema-turn-into-cancer?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-1278024405-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>Does emphysema turn into cancer?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-1278024405-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-1278024405-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Emphysema does not directly turn into cancer. However, since its most common cause is smoking, the risk of lung cancer is higher in people with emphysema compared to healthy individuals.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-357391167\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-357391167-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-does-emphysema-progress-rapidly?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-357391167-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>Does emphysema progress rapidly?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-357391167-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-357391167-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>The rate of progression of emphysema varies from person to person. Continuing to smoke, noncompliance with treatment, and accompanying diseases may accelerate progression.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-3097294671\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-3097294671-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-what-is-centrilobular-emphysema?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-3097294671-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>What is centrilobular emphysema?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-3097294671-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-3097294671-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Centrilobular emphysema is a type of emphysema in which the small airways are affected, especially in the upper lobes of the lung. It is most commonly seen in smokers.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-1111260114\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-1111260114-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-what-is-paraseptal-emphysema?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-1111260114-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>What is paraseptal emphysema?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-1111260114-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-1111260114-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Paraseptal emphysema develops in the outer parts of the lung and in areas close to the pleura. It may lead to sudden lung collapse in young patients.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-2360260170\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-2360260170-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-how-long-do-emphysema-patients-live?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-2360260170-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>How long do emphysema patients live?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-2360260170-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-2360260170-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Life expectancy depends on the stage of the disease, compliance with treatment, and whether smoking has been stopped. With early diagnosis and treatment, life expectancy can be significantly prolonged.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-1098307779\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-1098307779-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-what-happens-if-emphysema-is-not-treated?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-1098307779-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>What happens if emphysema is not treated?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-1098307779-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-1098307779-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>If left untreated, shortness of breath gradually increases, oxygen requirement may develop, and serious complications such as heart and lung failure may occur.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-1114153290\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-1114153290-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-what-are-the-types-of-emphysema?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-1114153290-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>What are the types of emphysema?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-1114153290-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-1114153290-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Emphysema is classified as centrilobular, panlobular, paraseptal, and irregular types. The location and clinical course of each type are different.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-466030966\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-466030966-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-at-what-age-does-emphysema-usually-appear?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-466030966-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>At what age does emphysema usually appear?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-466030966-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-466030966-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Emphysema most often appears after the age of 40. Long-term smoking may cause the disease to be seen at earlier ages.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-3096002048\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-3096002048-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-does-emphysema-cause-pain?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-3096002048-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>Does emphysema cause pain?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-3096002048-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-3096002048-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Emphysema generally does not directly cause pain. However, chest tightness due to shortness of breath, muscle pain, and a feeling of fatigue may be seen.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-2720470485\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-2720470485-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-what-are-the-symptoms-of-subcutaneous-emphysema?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-2720470485-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>What are the symptoms of subcutaneous emphysema?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-2720470485-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-2720470485-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>In subcutaneous emphysema, swelling due to air accumulation under the skin, a crackling sensation when pressed, and fullness in the neck-chest region are seen.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-721947210\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-721947210-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-does-emphysema-go-away-with-herbal-treatment?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-721947210-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>Does emphysema go away with herbal treatment?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-721947210-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-721947210-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Herbal treatments do not cure emphysema. Some herbs may relieve symptoms, but they do not replace the main treatment and must definitely be used under a doctor\u2019s supervision.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-392961784\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-392961784-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-what-are-the-latest-developments-in-emphysema-treatment?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-392961784-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>What are the latest developments in emphysema treatment?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-392961784-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-392961784-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>In recent years, endobronchial valve applications, lung volume reduction methods, and new-generation inhaler treatments have been among the promising developments in emphysema treatment.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-8810398 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -40px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1357017180 {\n  padding-top: 30px;\n  padding-bottom: 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"gap-1994513183\" class=\"gap-element clearfix\" style=\"display:block; height:auto;\">\n\t\t\n<style>\n#gap-1994513183 {\n  padding-top: 45px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1127,"parent":1086,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-blank.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1156","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1156","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1156"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1156\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1176,"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1156\/revisions\/1176"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1086"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1127"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1156"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}