I was told that I am in the early stages of emphysema this week at the VA hospital where I go for various treatments, I also did not do very well on the exhaling portion of the breathing test I took for them. I am 72 years old and have been smoking off and on for approx. 40 years. The last startup,after a 12 year break, was 9 years ago after my wife passed away. CURRENTLY I DON T SMOKE A LOT ,5 A DAY. What is your best estimate for how long I have left?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. Emphysema is an older term. Nowadays COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) term is used. It includes both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. And COPD is progressive disease. We have to manage it to halt the progression of the disease. So better term for COPD is chronic manageable disease. Lifelong treatment is needed. And for this you should consult pulmonologist and get done PFT (PULMONARY FUNCTION TEST) to know the exact severity of the disease.  As treatment of COPD is based on severity of it. You need to follow below-mentioned steps simultaneously for effective treatment. 1. Quit smoking as soon as possible. 2. Start inhaled bronchodilators3. Enroll in pulmonary rehabilitation center where chest physiotherapy and deep breathing exercise are done. 4. Get done vaccination with pneumococcal and influenza vaccines for prevention of future lung infections. If you strictly follow these life expectancy will be very good.