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COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Can other illnesses exacerbate emphysema?

02/04/2008

Question:

i suffer from sle,paten forum ovale,chronic asthma,oesophogeal ulcer,and am awaiting a doctors appointment to discuss my spirometry test which does not sound good,i have also been a smoker for 21 years,and am 33 years old,if it is emphysema,do these other illnesses affect the deteriation process of emphysema?

Answer:

The SLE and PFO could have an impact on your lung function and oxygen level. However, smoking would have the most impact on the respiratory deterioration associated with emphysema. It is very important for you to stop smoking if you're still smoking.

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Response by:

Mahasti Rittinger, RRT Mahasti Rittinger, RRT
Clinical Program Manager of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University

Phillip T Diaz, MD Phillip T Diaz, MD
Professor of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University