Emphysema

[bubjonkay]

I am 30 years old and was just told that I had Emphysema.  One month ago had a spontaneous collasped lung from a weak spot that they said was prob. from smoking.  I quit last March!!! Yea.. I am very scared now.  My doc told me that I had a large amount of emphysema for my age.  Just as a background my mother died at 47 of lung cancer, her brother at 56 and their mother at 63.  The Doc repaired the other weak spots on right lung but there are others on my left.  I am to return in 6 months for a CT scan to see the progression of the emphysema.  I am very unclear about Emphysema and its effects and prognosis, and if anything can be done.  Please let me know of any treatments or self help that may help me along my journey.    Thank you again... Erin

[National Jewish Health]

The most common reason for emphysema in a 30 year old is an inherited form called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.  I would suggest you see a good pulmonologist and be tested for this genetic disease.  A pulmonologist should be the one to follow your course and provide appropriate care and advice.  Please read our alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency information at http://www.nationaljewish.org/disease-info/diseases/copd/about/alpha1-antitrypsin.aspx to learn more.

[bubjonkay]

Thank you very much for your advice.. I am now looking into seeing another Doctor.  

[G_RRT]

I'M GLAD TO HEAR YOU QUIT SMOKING. CONGATS, IT CAN BE VERY HARD TO DO. THAT IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORT THINGS. THERE IS HOWEVER NEW RESEARCH THAT SOME EMPHYSEMA MAY BE GENETIC THERE IS A TEST THAT CAN BE DONE TO DETERMINE THIS. IF YOUR NOT SEEING A PULMONOLOGIST (LUNG DOCTOR) I WOULD SEE IF ABOUT ONE THEY CAN HELP. SOMETIMES BREATHING MEDICATIONS CAN HELP RELIEVE ANY SHORTNESS OF BREATH. GOOD LUCK AND DO NOT I REPEAT DO NOT START SMOKING AGAIN, THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP YOUR SELFAND YOUR BREATHING.