Patricia writes:
My husband has emphysema. He has 90% lung capacity now. He is becoming more limited in his activities. What can I expect in the future if he continues to decline? Thanks for your help.
Dear Patricia:
If your husband's condition continues to decline, you can expect his activity level to decrease. He will feel winded more easily and more often and will need to take resting breaks more frequently. Should his condition continue to decline, he will need oxygen therapy, possibly full-time eventually.
Your husband's doctor will probably recommend Pneumovax (pneumonia vaccine) and the influenza (flu) vaccine to help prevent any respiratory infections from developing.
At some point, your husband's doctor may recommend lung transplantation, or lung reduction surgery to remove the damaged portions of his lungs to help him breathe easier.
You may want to read Can Lung Reduction Surgery Help Emphysema?.
Talk to your husband's doctors about your concerns. It's best to know what to expect so you can prepare yourself. Also, his doctor can inform you of emphysema treatment options.
Related:
Wishing you and your husband good health,
Stacey Lloyd
Lung Diseases Guide
About.com
