Emphysematous chest is a sign of serious respiratory problems. Deformation of the bones of the sternum indicates that the disease is progressing. Most often, this symptom is noted with emphysema. Pulmonologists also call this deformity barrel-shaped. What pathologies are accompanied by such a symptom and how to treat them? We will consider these issues in the article.
What is this
What does an emphysematous chest look like? The signs of this pathology are as follows:
- increase in transverse and anteroposterior breast size;
- large chest volume;
- protrusion of the bones of the collarbones;
- expansion of spaces between ribs;
- cylindrical or barrel-shaped breasts.
A wide sternum can also be observed in he althy people of dense build (hypersthenics). However, there are differences in the description of emphysematous chest and hypersthenic chest. When stockyphysique, the size of the chest corresponds to the dimensions of other parts of the body. With respiratory disorders, the volume of the chest increases much more and looks disproportionate.
Photo of the emphysematous chest can be seen below. Shown on the right is a barrel deformity.
Reasons
Most often, barrel-shaped breasts are observed in patients with emphysema. With this disease, the spaces filled with air expand in the lungs. This leads to an increase in the volume of the chest and its deformation.
However, this is not the only reason for the formation of an emphysematous chest. The etiology of this symptom may be associated with the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory organs, as well as degenerative diseases of the bone tissue.
Possible diseases
In what diseases can the bones of the chest be deformed? Most often this is noted with serious pathologies of the respiratory system:
- emphysema;
- obstructive bronchitis.
Pulmonologists classify these two diseases as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
In addition, emphysematous deformity of the chest is observed in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis and bronchial asthma. Curvature of the sternum bones is also observed in advanced cases of osteoarthritis.
Next, we will look at each of the possible pathologies in detail.
Emphysema
Emphysema often affects smokers and patients working in hazardous industries. This disease canalso develop as a complication of obstructive bronchitis. Under the influence of various harmful factors in patients, the pulmonary alveoli expand. This leads to a deterioration in gas exchange and the formation of an emphysematous chest. Pathology is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- progressive shortness of breath (aggravated by exertion);
- shallow breathing;
- short breaths and long breaths;
- cough;
- blue skin due to hypoxia.
Over time, patients develop respiratory and heart failure. Patients become susceptible to various respiratory tract infections. Colds occur in this case in a severe form.
Obstructive bronchitis
This disease disrupts the patency of the bronchi. In the respiratory tract, mucous secretions accumulate, which leads to impaired ventilation of the lungs. Emphysematous chest is one of the signs of this pathology. In addition, obstructive bronchitis is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- cough;
- shortness of breath, aggravated by walking and exertion;
- excretion of purulent and mucous sputum.
The disease occurs most often due to exposure to the bronchi of tobacco smoke and harmful gases. There is also a genetic predisposition to obstructive airways disease.
This pathology is quite dangerous. In the later stages of the disease, respiratory failure and pathological changes in the heart ventricles develop.(cor pulmonale).
Asthma
With frequent attacks of bronchial asthma, the patient retains air in the lungs. This leads to expansion and swelling of the alveoli. The respiratory organs are as if in a state of constant inspiration. Retained air does not go outside and uselessly occupies a significant amount of lung tissue. This leads to the formation of an emphysematous chest. This symptom is especially common in children.
This disease is characterized by excruciating attacks of suffocation. Most often they occur after contact with allergens. Breathing becomes superficial and shallow, with a short inhalation and a long exhalation. There are wheezing and whistles in the bronchi. Sometimes an attack is accompanied by other allergic reactions: hives, itchy skin and a runny nose.
In the period between attacks, the patient's he alth may remain normal. However, periodic suffocation does not pass without a trace for the body. Over time, patients can develop such a dangerous complication as status asthmaticus. This is a severe asthma attack that is not relieved by conventional bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Often this condition causes death.
Cystic fibrosis
An emphysematous chest can be a sign of cystic fibrosis. This is a severe hereditary disease associated with a gene mutation. With cystic fibrosis, a person accumulates mucus in all organs, including the bronchi. Patients develop a severe cough with viscous sputum anddifficulty breathing.
Usually, this disease is diagnosed in children in the first months of life. The pathology is often complicated by chronic lung failure.
Osteoarthritis
Barrel-shaped deformity of the chest wall is noted not only in diseases of the lungs and bronchi. Often, such pathological changes occur with osteoarthritis of the ribs and spine. This disease is accompanied by degenerative changes in bone cartilage. The ribs lose their mobility, and as a result, the chest is deformed.
The disease is accompanied by pain and stiffness in damaged joints. It usually occurs in older people. Due to constant arthralgia, patients are forced to lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Diagnosis
When barrel chest is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination of the patient. A pulmonologist prescribes the following types of diagnostics:
- spirometry;
- bronchoscopy;
- chest x-ray;
- ECG;
- sputum analysis for culture.
If osteoarthritis is suspected, a detailed x-ray examination of the ribs and spinal column is performed.
Treatment methods
Barrel chest is just one of the symptoms of various diseases. It is possible to get rid of such a defect only after the treatment of the underlying pathology.
In chronic obstructive respiratory diseases and bronchial asthma, patients are shown the followingbronchodilators:
- "Foradil".
- "Serevent".
- "Atrovent N".
- "Salbutamol".
These medicines come in the form of inhalers. They relieve bronchospasm and make breathing easier.
For severe obstructive diseases and asthma, drugs with corticosteroid hormones are prescribed:
- "Prednisolone".
- "Dexamethasone".
Hormonal drugs are used both in oral and inhaled form.
For difficult expectoration, mucolytic drugs are indicated:
- "Ambroxol".
- "ACC".
- "Carbocysteine".
These remedies thin the phlegm and make it easier for mucus to pass from the bronchi.
If the use of inhalers does not have the desired effect, then drug treatment is supplemented with oxygen therapy sessions. This helps to significantly improve the condition of patients.
Cystic fibrosis therapy can only be symptomatic. Modern medicine cannot cure a gene mutation. However, it is possible to significantly alleviate the patient's condition. Patients are prescribed bronchodilators and mucolytics. These medicines must be taken throughout life. In case of severe blockage of the respiratory tract with mucus, the bronchi are washed with a solution of sodium chloride.
With osteoarthritis, chondroprotectors are prescribed andintra-articular injections of preparations with hyaluronic acid. In case of severe pain syndrome, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Nise, Ibuprofen) are indicated.
Often, patients are interested in the possibility of plastic surgery for curvature of the chest wall. If the deformity is caused by serious lung disease, then it cannot be removed with the help of cosmetic surgery. After all, the volume of the chest in this case increases due to air retention in the respiratory organs. Usually, after achieving remission, the shape of the chest returns to normal.
Prevention
How to prevent chest wall deformity? To do this, it is necessary to protect the respiratory organs from harmful effects. Pulmonologists advise following these guidelines:
- quit smoking completely;
- avoid exposure to allergens, dust and toxic gases;
- when working in a hazardous industry, undergo regular medical examinations;
- timely cure inflammatory bronchopulmonary diseases.
In case of systematic coughing, wheezing in the chest and difficulty in breathing, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor. This will help avoid serious complications such as heart and lung failure.
