Emphysema refers to a pathological state of hyperinflation of the distal end fine bronchi (respiratory fine bronchi, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs and alveoli) accompanied by destruction of the airspace walls. It can be divided into the following types according to the pathogenesis: senile emphysema, compensatory emphysema, interstitial emphysema, focal emphysema, paracentral emphysema and obstructive emphysema. What is commonly referred to as emphysema is obstructive emphysema, which accounts for about 80% of emphysema types and is the type of emphysema of most concern. Causes of obstructive emphysema: The causes of obstructive emphysema are extremely complex, including smoking, atmospheric pollution, respiratory tract infection, and dysregulation of protease-anti-protease balance. Obstructive emphysema caused by dysregulation of protease-antiprotease balance is mostly seen in Caucasians, and the first three causes are still common in China. Symptoms of obstructive emphysema: The most prominent symptom of patients suffering from this disease is shortness of breath, which appears in the early stage after activities such as climbing stairs or walking fast, and later develops to shortness of breath even when walking on a flat road, and if there is shortness of breath when talking, dressing, washing face or even resting, it indicates that the emphysema is quite serious. In addition, there are also general symptoms such as weakness, poor appetite and weight loss. In severe emphysema, the anterior and posterior diameter of the chest increases and the appearance is barrel-shaped, which is known as barrel-shaped chest in medical science. Due to the hyperinflation of the lungs, increased lung permeability can be seen on X-ray, but this is not obvious in the early stage of the disease. In addition, pulmonary function tests are an important tool to clarify the presence of emphysema. Obstructive emphysema can be complicated by spontaneous pneumothorax, respiratory failure, chronic pulmonary heart disease, sleep apnea, and other diseases. Bronchial asthma, bronchiectasis, and tuberculosis can also complicate obstructive emphysema. How is obstructive emphysema treated? As the pathological changes of emphysema are irreversible once formed, all treatments are aimed at improving symptoms and preventing further development. 1.Improve the general condition of patients, including improving the body’s resistance, preventing colds and lower respiratory tract infections, exercising for cold tolerance, and applying drugs to improve immunity; improve the nutritional status, paying attention to the intake of nutrients, suggesting a diet high in protein, high in fat and low in carbohydrates, and supplementing with vitamins, and eating more fresh vegetables or fruits; perform moderate physical exercise, such as walking, bicycling, tai chi, radio exercises, etc. 2.Strengthen respiratory training and respiratory muscle exercise, deep and slow abdominal breathing or lip reduction breathing to improve respiratory function, and also improve respiratory muscle function through resistance breathing exercises; 3.For those who develop respiratory failure, arterial partial pressure of oxygen is below 55 mmHg, home oxygen therapy can be performed; 4.Home non-invasive mechanical ventilation can also be used for patients with severe obstructive pulmonary emphysema; under certain indications Pulmonary decompression surgery can also be performed to improve symptoms.