Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
emphysema
Answered by
This forum is for questions and support regarding lung and respiratory issues such as: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds - Flu, Chronic Cough, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Fibrosis, Lung Abscess, Nasal Polyps, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sarcoidosis, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis
emphysema
by markmacd, Apr 12, 2006 12:00AM
My father is 73 yrs old smoked his entire life, The Dr. says 5 to 10% of his lungs are functioning properly. and until 2 days ago when he ended up in the hospital he still smoked. He weighs about 100 lbs and is very weak. can you tell me how long approx.of time he has left? And what should we expect next..thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Apr 13, 2006 12:00AM
, Apr 13, 2006 12:00AM
It is not possible to speculate on how long your father has to live, as long as his lung condition is not stable and he requires hospitalization. Your father’s 5 to 10% lung function may just be a reflection of his untreated lung disease and continued smoking. The weakness and malnutrition may be reversible. With a gain in strength and weight, his lung function may improve. It may not improve a lot, but maybe enough to enable him to live on for quite some time.
The bottom line is that you need to ask your father’s doctors what aspects of his current illness are potentially, even partially, reversible. Also ask them what level of function he might attain with patience and good care and, above all, smoking cessation.
The bottom line is that you need to ask your father’s doctors what aspects of his current illness are potentially, even partially, reversible. Also ask them what level of function he might attain with patience and good care and, above all, smoking cessation.
Member Comments (2)
by george27, May 10, 2006 12:00AM
My friend is 79. He has been primarily treated by the VA. We have requested all med. files so we can see what and when anything has been done for his breathing. He's been told that he has emphysema, but he has not smoked in 40 years, his breathing is labored only after movement, minimal, and he produces phlegm with every deep cough. What tests do I need to look for in his med history? What tests should be performed? I need help.
