Suggest Treatment To Prevent Progression Of Emphysema

Posted on Thu, 17 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 17 Sep 2015 Answered on

Wed, 7 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : How to slow the progression of emphysema. I was a smoker . I have not smoked for many years (15-20 yr.). I am 78 yr. old.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid are needed.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Following are the things you can do to prevent progression of emphysema.
1. Start inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid.
2. Enroll yourself in Pulmonary Rehabilitation center where chest physiotherapy and deep breathing exercises are done.
3. Get done adult Pulmonary vaccination with pneumococcal and Influenza vaccines.
4. Regular follow up with pulmonologist, every 3 monthly and get done Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) every six monthly to see for any deterioration in the lung functions.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar