HealthBreak, brought to you by CHI Saint Joseph Health.
Emphysema occurs at the end stages of pulmonary disease. The lungs lose their elasticity and can no longer push air out. Dr. Eli Colon talks about a new treatment option called an endobronchial valve.
The valves are placed with a bronchoscope with a minimally invasive procedure, and it basically goes to the area that is not ventilating, it's not functioning.
There, these one-way valves release the trapped air from this part of the lung. That gives room to the part of the lung that is still functioning, to be able to expand and exhale.
These valves are primarily for patients who are no longer responding to medications and have no other options to help them breathe normally.
All the studies are showing there's improvement in quality of life. Most of the difference is seen within the first two weeks. They have showed increase in ambulation, exercise capacity, even lung function tests.
For more information, go to CHISaintJosephHealth.org.
Specialists at CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Neurology evaluate patients for cognitive decline and look for signs that memory issues could be symptoms of another problem.
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Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones, making them fragile and causing them to break easily. Learn more about the disease, including how it's diagnosed, what treatment options are available and who's at most risk.
Read More Additional information about The Surprising Facts about Osteoporosis and Who's at Most Risk
When untreated, hepatitis C can lead to serious conditions. Here's what you need to know, including how to recognize symptoms, when to get screened and what treatment options are available.
Read More Additional information about Understanding Hepatitis C: Early Screening and Advanced Treatment
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