advanced emphysema

My dad has advanced emphysema... he's 55 years old... been smoking since he was 14.

My question is: How long will he live if he doesn't quit smoking? How long if he quits?

He has oxygen in his house but isn't on it 24/7. We don't talk much. I was just wondering how long he has.

[Evie1963]

Quitting smoking is the only thing that slows down the progression of the disease, it doesn't cure it or reverse what damage has already been done though. Oxygen therapy helps with increasing the survival rate. Using oxygen at home for 18 - 24 hours a day is better than just at night time There are medications people can take to help with symptoms as well. There is also surgery but this isn't suitable for everyone and it is very expensive, where some of the diseased part of the lungs are taken out allowing the healthier parts to work better, or there is transplant. Some people will only live for a few years with emphysema but it can vary depending on severity and treatment and if they continue smoking.

It's a shame you don't talk much with your dad.

[Juanita59]

I was just told I had advanced emphysema with  lung capacity of 62
I am a white woman  and will be 63 in June I DONOT smoke but did about 35 years ago I only smaoked about 10 years
what is the life time of someone at this stage in emphyseam

[Sunny602]

Life expectancy varies from person to person...it is too individual to even guess. Doctors like to give ballpark figures but I would ignore them. nhll 05, your dad should quit smoking...his emphysema won't go away but stopping smoking will help slow the progression down.
Juanita, I am glad that you do not smoke, that is a huge plus with you. What can help you is keeping as active as possible (as much as your doctor allows you to). I would look into pulmonary rehab programs...not only do they teach you how to exercise safely, they also teach you how to breathe correctly while exerting yourself. Nutrition is also important. If you are heavy, losing weight would benefit you. If you need to put on calories, try nutritional shakes like Ensure and other shakes specifically for those with lung disease.
Taking your meds as prescribed will also help, also recognizing when you need a med change is in your best interest.
Find a good lung specialist (pulmonologist), they are typically on top of the latest treatments of COPD.
I hope that this helps...Sunny

[rsantolla]

i have copd is their any cure in the futue iheard they did something with mice i live in england and theirs nothing over here
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[Seashore60]

I have COD need nebulizer, have medication which is taken daily, breathing capacity 6.0, within last 2 months i have been getting bad infections, just get rid of one and down with another, this drains me and i feel exhausted, my breathing is getting worse? why is this happening?? some days im really good and other days just cough and splutter all day. I gave up smoking and became very ill, my doctor advised to still smoke?? i do only having 3 a day, roughly how long to i have?? I accept this disease and find each day a bonus, please advise.

[fluff_1985]

My dad just turned 53 we were told 4 years ago that he has emphysema but he didnt have to many problems until this year in thae last 8 months he has went from being able to do alot of things to being on oxygen 24\7 he cant even go from the house to the car on oxygen without gasping for breath. because of the the stress of the lack of oxygen the right side of his heart is failing he has fell 6 times in the last 3 weeks because he gets week and his legs give out on him, also it seems to be afecting his mind he is verey confused at times and will ask you the same question 3 to 5 times in the same hour. My question is if he has gotten this bad just in the last 8 months how much longer do you think he may have and is there anything that can be done to help him?

[mari9461]

I am looking for a good pulmonologist that works out of Baptist Hospital in Kendall. My mom has emphysema plus heart conditions. I do not feel she is getting the help she needs. She is 69 years old. If you can recommend someone please advise.