What is average life expectancy after diagnosis of emphysema.? Does lung capacity EVER improve with emphysema?
Question:
Answers:
Life expectancy depends on the individual. They have to be willing to do the things they are told to. Otherwise they will not live long, 3 - 5 years maximum.
Although not a cure, there is a newer surgery that can increase lung capacity and help bring greater quality of life to the individual. You have to be a good candidate and that will mean not smoking, following a good diet and exercise routine, as well as following a doctor's instructions regarding medication, etc.
Read the data at the links below for more.
Good Luck to whoever has this.
Other Answers:
improves, but you have to stay in restriction and do the best of the things,
Source(s):
http://www.geocities.com/uttoransen4/
Straight from wikipedia.com
Emphysema is an irreversible degenerative condition. The most important measure that can be taken to slow the progression of emphysema is for the patient to stop smoking and avoid all exposure to cigarette smoke and lung irritants. Pulmonary rehabilitation can be very helpful to optimize the patients quality of life and teach the patient how to actively manage his or her care. It is treated by supporting the breathing with anticholinergics, bronchodilators and (inhaled or oral) steroid medication, and supplemental oxygen as required. Treating patient's other conditions including gastric reflux and allergies may also help the patient's lung function. Supplemental oxygen used as prescribed (20+ hours/day) is the only non-surgical treatment which has been shown to prolong life in emphysema patients. Other medications are being researched. There are lightweight portable oxygen systems which allow patients increasing mobility. Patients fly, cruise, and work while using supplemental oxygen.
Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) can improve the quality of life for carefully selected patients. It can be done by several different methods, some of which are minimally invasive. The only 'cure' for emphysema is a lung transplant, although not many patients are strong enough physically to survive the surgery. The combination of patient's age, oxygen deprivation and the side-effects of the medications used to treat emphysema cause damage to the kidneys, heart and other bodily organs. Transplants also require the patient to take an anti-rejection drug regimen which suppresses immunities and creates new medical issues.
also check out http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/emphysema.html
hope that helps!
No matter how long you have been smoking, quitting will immediately begin to improve your health. I wish all smokers knew that. Lung tissue replenishes at an incredble rate. Life expectancy depends on the smoker. If the smoker quits immediately, he can live for years and years. If he doesn't, it all depends on how strong his body is and how much he smokes. My father was diagnosed with emphysema and his doctor informed him that, if he stops smoking today, he will improve by 85% in less than a year (and he has been smoking for over 50 years). The majority of damage is NOT irreversable. Unfortunately, my father still refuses to quit.
I have seen people live 40 years with emphysema. The lung capacity will try to enlarge but in most cases will not.
I had an uncle that lived to be 98 years old eith emphysema. He slep in an oxyten tent; took a long walk everyday; had a garden to keep him from boredom; sang in a church choir; had sex with his wife twice a week; drank 1 cup of 100% aloe vera juice every morning because he claimed the aloe vera juice helped heal is internal organs. Plus he had a positive out look on life. He did not feel sorry for himself.he just kept on keeping on in a positive manner, with a wonderful sense of humor. He never let his illnes get him down. I think he was some what in denial and that my be part of what kept him going.
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