Im over 50 and I have emphysema. I might as well keep smoking. Right?
Wrong. Even if you have emphysema, you will benefit by quitting.Smoking will make your emphysema much worse. I see patients that have lost 60% of their lung capacity due to emphysema. While these patients can still go to work, drive a car and even walk up one flight of stairs, every percent of lung capacity is precious to them. Which is why I try the hardest to get these patients to quit.Every percent decline in your lung capacity will significantly decrease your quality of life. If you quit right now, you might save yourself from requiring oxygen or becoming housebound in the very near future.
