COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) |
Emphysema03/18/2008 |
If someone is diagnosed with early stages of emphysema and they quit smoking, exercise, and take better care of their body do they have a better chance of living longer?
Yes, definitely! Smoking cessation is the most important step to avoid further damage to the lungs. Exercise and eating well are also important in managing the disease and improving quality of life.If all of those things are done, particularly quitting smoking, life expectancy may be similar to someone without emphysema.
|
Mahasti Rittinger, RRT Clinical Program Manager of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep College of Medicine The Ohio State University |