emphysema

[markmacd]

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.

[National Jewish]

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.

[george27]

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.