Indiana SSD for Emphysema Lawyer
The body lives off oxygen in the blood. If an individual’s oxygen levels are low, then there is a chance that the individual’s body is not operating properly or that breathing is impaired in some way. Emphysema is a disease of the lungs, usually brought on by firsthand or secondhand smoking, which makes it harder for the lungs to release air due to damage of the structure of the lungs.
The lungs need to retain their original form in order to release air. Emphysema deforms the shape of the lungs by making the lungs more elastic. The air sacks of the lungs’ alveoli, which draw air for the lungs, also begin to grow larger and become incapable of holding as much air.
Emphysema has three forms:
- Centriacinar Emphysema
- Panacinar Emphysema
- Distal Acinar Emphysema
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease that damages the airways and is brought on by emphysema or chronic bronchitis. COPD makes it difficult for a person to breathe by causing a number of difficulties:
- Tightness in the Chest
- Wheezing
- Short and Quick Breaths
- High Amounts of Mucus
Smoking
Smoking cigarettes has proven to be the number one cause of emphysema. The chemicals inside cigarettes destroy lung tissue, which causes the lungs to lose their shape and collapse. Individuals who are victims of secondhand smoke may also suffer from emphysema.
Contact Us
For those suffering from emphysema, it is important to get medical attention quickly. If you have suffered from a delayed emphysema diagnosis or delayed treatment for emphysema, you may have a medical malpractice case and be able to go after compensation for your prolonged pain and suffering.
You may also be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits as a result of a breathing disorder.
For help understanding your legal options, contact the Indiana SSD for emphysema lawyers of Hankey Marks & Crider today at (317) 634-8565.