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What is a lung scar?

I was born with asthma, had it all my life and still started smoking at age 19. Was always using an inhaler among other things. Was diagnosed with COPD a year or two ago and was put on Spiriva. Went to the hospital 2 weeks ago for what I thought to be a stress test only and was admitted instead. A chest x-ray was taken while I was there. The on call pulmonologist said I have full blown emphysema and will be on oxygen in 5-10 years if I don't stop smoking right now. He said he has never seen lungs as distended as mine on someone my age. Went to my PCP for a follow up yesterady and was told my x-ray also shows a scar and reffered me for a CT scan I'm supposed to do this coming Monday. What does a scar on the lung mean?
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242588 tn?1224271700
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
When the chest x-ray is said to show a scar, that is exactly what it usually is, a scar from a lung infection sometime in your past, often distant past.  The standard chest x-ray is ordinarily not a sensitive way to make the diagnosis of emphysema; it can be suggestive.  You will need the CT scan, as ordered, and complete pulmonary function tests (PFTs).

If the tests confirm the diagnosis of emphysema, you should never, ever smoke again and your doctors should check your blood for an alpha-1 antitrypsin level to see if you and other family members, including children have an inherited weakness that could result in emphysema at an early age.
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Avatar universal
BTW, I'm now 39 having smoked for the last 20 years. Taking Chantix since I got out of the hospital abd should be all quit in a few days.
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