David Lynch, co-creator of the hit TV show Twin Peaks and director of iconic and often surreal movies like Blue Velvet and Eraserhead, has announced that he has emphysema. Lynch referred to the diagnosis in a recent magazine interview and confirmed the news in a post on X.
In the interview with Sight and Sound magazine, as reported by the Guardian, Lynch explained that his condition has left him unable to leave home: “I can’t go out. And I can only walk a short distance before I’m out of oxygen.”
However, he said he “will never retire”, even if that means directing projects remotely: “Because of COVID, it would be very bad for me to get sick, even with a cold. So I would probably be directing from my home.”
So, what exactly is emphysema?
What is emphysema?
Emphysema is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of conditions in which the lungs no longer function properly.
In emphysema, this takes the form of damage to the alveoli, the tiny balloon-like sacs in the lung tissue that expand and contract as we take air in and out. The alveoli are the site where gas exchange takes place – oxygen from the air we inhale enters the bloodstream where it can travel to other organs, while waste carbon dioxide is passed back into the lungs so we can breathe it out.
If the alveoli are damaged, this process can no longer happen efficiently.
What causes emphysema?
The leading cause of emphysema is smoking. Lynch said that “many years of smoking” was the reason for his illness and confirmed that he has now quit. Exposure to air pollution, chemical fumes, dust, and cannabis smoke can also cause emphysema in the long term.
There’s also a rare genetic mutation that can cause an inherited form of emphysema, called alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. The AAT protein normally helps protect the lungs against irritants and pollutants, so people who don’t make enough of it can be at higher risk of developing COPD. According to the American Lung Association, between 80,000 and 100,000 people in the US could be living with AAT deficiency.
What are the symptoms of emphysema?
Emphysema symptoms can come on gradually over a long period of time – most people are diagnosed over the age of 50, although in people with AAT deficiency the signs may appear earlier.
The most common symptoms include:
- A chronic cough, which may produce phlegm
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- A tight chest
- Feeling like you cannot take a deep breath
Frequent respiratory infections can also be a red flag, and you may also find that symptoms are worse at certain times than at others.
If you notice that you’re having symptoms like this that aren’t going away, especially if you smoke or have previously been a smoker, it’s important to see medical advice. If it is emphysema, the damage can continue to get worse if you don’t get access to treatment.
Are there any treatments for emphysema?
The damage to the lungs that leads to emphysema is permanent, but there are various treatment options that can help people manage the symptoms.
The first and most important thing is to stop smoking, if you haven’t already. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of a range of diseases, not just COPD, so quitting is a great positive step you can take for your general health.
Inhalers may be prescribed to help make breathing easier. These contain bronchodilators, medicines that relax and widen the airways, and come in long- or short-acting formulations. There are also steroid inhalers that may be needed to help relieve inflammation in the airways.
Some bronchodilators and steroids can also be given in the form of pills. You may also need a short course of antibiotics to clear up any infections, and there are drugs called mucolytics that help thin the mucus in your airways so that you can cough it up more easily.
Some people with emphysema may need oxygen therapy, particularly in the later stages of the disease.
Your doctor may also recommend a pulmonary rehabilitation program. This can involve working with different healthcare professionals to learn breathing techniques, practice physical exercises, receive nutritional guidance, and access psychological therapy – living with any long-term condition, like emphysema, can take a toll on your mental health.
The outlook
Emphysema can have a significant impact on someone’s life and make it difficult to take part in everyday activities, but with treatment, it can be possible to manage the symptoms and limit further damage to the lungs.
In Lynch’s case, he wrote on X, “Recently I had many tests and the good news is that I am in excellent shape except for emphysema,” adding, “I am filled with happiness”.
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The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
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