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Mild Emphysema & Non Smoker - Scared

I am hoping to find some advice as I just found this board.  I recently went to my doctor for Pleurisy and they did a chest x-ray. It showed a possible abnormality, so they did a CT scan of my chest. The original "abnormality" turned out to be nothing, but it showed Mild Emphysema.

I am so confused and upset as I quit Quitting smoking 10 years ago, live a very healthy lifestyle. I walk 3 miles every day and with the exception of chronic Pleurisy, I have no symptoms of this disease.

I just went to a Pulmonologist and I am waiting to get Lung Function Tests done.  He looked at the scan and said it looked like the start of Emphysema. He also did a blood test for a possible genetic link and told me I am doing everything I should be as far as lifestyle. I am not overweight, I am actually thin and work out.

I googled this disease and now I am so scared. I am only 42,  and from what I have read it seems it is going to shorten my life. Some sites say 5 years, some say it can be weeks(!!), is that true?!

Also, I had pleurisy last summer and they did a CT scan of my lungs then and it was normal..so how did I get it that quick? Is that possible?

Any advice would so be appreciated..I am so scared.

Thank you.
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Avatar universal
Thank you both for the information and advice :)  I do believe also a positive attitude is everything..just need to get over the shock to be honest.
I tried to think of other things like household cleaners, the area I live in..but who knows.

I am hopeful my PFT test will be good as I exercise everyday.

Thank you again for taking the time to reply and showing your support, that means alot!
Helpful - 0
1293533 tn?1275087223
Emphysema is people less that 50 years old is usually caused by a genetic factor-alpha1 antitrypsin deficency, google this. It might also have been your smoking but probably not. That is why your doctor is testing your blood. There are some amazing drugs/inhalers on the market now to help improve your lung function. Wait until you talk with your doctor after your PFT and find out what the plan is. Continue with your healthy lifestyle until then.
Helpful - 0
1086884 tn?1328640455
I have moderate to severe copd. I know how you are feeling and how scared you are.
First of all, get with a good lung doctor. They will run all the tests needed and you will get a lot of information you will need. You are doing that. If you don't get your answers, then see another one.
Second of all do not believe everything you read or hear. There is a lot of miss information out there. This is a good sight. Try Dr Oz web sight. Stay away from the claims of holistic or herbal healing. This is a growing business and many are ready to cash in. Be careful.
thirdly there is no expiration date on any of us. I believe a positive attitude and learning all you can is the single best thing you can do. Exercise and diet are the next best medicine. You are doing all that.
Fourthly if you get on a good regiment and take precautions with germs and flues ect. You should live a good long time. It is just so scary to hear this and it takes a while to become comfortable in your own skin again, but you will.
It is good you quit smoking. There are more things that can cause these things and it could be something you were around and did not know it. There are so many factors to fit into the equation that you may never completely know the cause so don't blame yourself because you smoked. Early detection and treatment will determine the length and quality of your life.
I wish you luck and I will pray for you. God Bless
Helpful - 0
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