Does emphysema progress on its own?

[nctrucker]

Am I to understand that emphysema is a disease that will progress on its own, no matter what you do? I have quit smoking, but it worries me that the emphysema will get worse and there is nothing that will cure it. I do not want to live a life in which you have to struggle to breathe at the end stage. 8 months ago, I was diagnosed with what the doc said was a touch of emphysema, and he also said that it may get better over time if I stop smoking. I am not sure exactly what he meant, but I know emphysema is not reversable. I just wonder like everyone else first diagnosed with emphysema, and that is "How long do I have to live?" I have a wife that seems to think that it is not serious and she smokes. After a few months of being persistant, I managed to get her to only smoke in 2 rooms of the house. Don't anyone even try to tell me to play king kong to her about it, cause it is not easy to convince a smoker to not smoke in their own home. I used to be a smoker, so I know. I just hope that I will have a good many years left. I am 51 now, hope to make it at least 20 more or better.

[bigted1955]

I got told at the age of eighteen that i had mild emphysema. I have never smoked but i have suffered asthma since the age of two.I went for an x.ray at the age of fifty two and got told i had mild emphysema, so do not give up hope

[nctrucker]

You got it right Teko. It will still take years for my lungs to repair. I wish I had never began smoking. I was healthy for many years, but now, I see where the smokes sneak up on you. I was lucky.

[teko]

If it was just a touch and/or mild, and he quit smoking. It sometimes reverses if in the mild form only. At the very least by quitting smoking, progression drops to normal. However, if you are in mod or more this does not happen, but will still slow in progression if you quit smoking. I think that is how the doc explained it to me. lol

[Mom2RPJI]

Im confused how can you have emphasyma 8months ago and not have it now?  

[jillyb1603]

If you got it, it dont go away, believe me it is irreversible damage of the alveoli air sacks inthe lungs

[nctrucker]

breathing test I did 8 months ago, doc said i had a touch of emphysema. he said if i stay away from smoking, it may get better. Only thing is, i live in southeastern north carolina, and the humidity is terrible. I smoked for 35 years, so it will take a few years for my lungs to clear. But, that is better than living with emphysema. Kinda hard to work outdoors in the heat and humidity. I wish all of you the best.

[teko]

I am soooo happy for you! I know the kinda weight you speak of! You got a second chance, do not start smoking again! Congrats!