Chris (Doctor): Hello, so what seems to be bothering you today?

Justin (Patient): Well I seem to have a persistent cough with lots of mucus. I’ve also lost my appetite and I’m always tired. 

Chris: Ok, so that sounds like some kind of lung issue. Do you smoke cigarettes?

Justin: Yes, I smoke every day. About 50 packs a day on average, I’d say. 

Chris: Yikes. Uhhh. May I see your fingernails please?

Justin: Um sure..?

*looks at fingernails*

Chris: Ah yes, just as I suspected. Your fingernails have a blue tinge to them. These are all common symptoms of emphysema. 

Justin: Uhhh what is that?

Chris: Well it’s a long-term, progressive disease of the lungs that primarily causes shortness of breath due to over-inflation of the alveoli. Basically, you’ve destroyed your lung tissue from smoke. The lung tissue helps your bronchiole exhale. But, since you’ve wrecked it by smoking a load of cigarettes, the air’s stuck somewhere in your alveoli. Now that it’s stuck, that thing’s gonna inflate like a balloon. And there’s no way to actually cure it. You’ll have it till you die. 

Justin: Ok so what kind of treatment is there?

Chris: Bronchodilators may be used for short-term use for those needing quick relief from symptoms. Steroids can also be used to treat emphysema.

Justin: So… do I get anabolic steroids or…?

Chris: No. I’m gonna prescribe you ventolin and atrovent. This should be able to slow down your symptoms.

Justin: Ok, thank you Doctor Chris!