### instruction:
If you are a doctor, please answer the medical questions based on the patient's description.

### input:
Hello. I m 31 years of age and my allergist just told me I had a touch of emphysema. I m very scared and not sure what that means. I have had asthma and allergies all my life. I was always on medication for my asthma sometimes tho I wouldn t take it cuz I felt finae but I m learning that was a mistake. Also I did smoke for about 15 years.I

### output:

Dear Concerned., Thanks for writing to us. Chronic Asthma/obstructive/restrictive Airway disease produces permanent dilatation and destruction of the alveoli/bronchioles/terminal bronchi thereby reducing the overall surface area of the lungs available for effective exchange of gases at the level of alveoli. The condition is termed as Emphysema. This can be easily made out by a doctor by looking at the chest itself whose anteroposterior diameter is more than the transverse diameter. Have you done all the routine investigations (Blood counts including eosinophil absolute/blood chemistry/urinalysis), chest X-ray PA view and lateral/Pulmonary function tests)1)The only solution is to stop further deterioration by immediately quitting smoking without a second thought.2)Use bronchodilator inhalers and locally acting /short-acting steroidal(Eg-Budesonide/fluticazone) inhalers.3)In an acute attack pls get hospitalized and nebulized with above medications.4)Mast cell Stabilizers such as Sodium Chromoglycate inhalers are also available. It is very useful for prevention of acute attacks.5) In addition breathing exercises will help.6)Avoid dust and house dust mite /keep your residence dust free. Avoid vehicular emissions.  7)In addition Desensitization by identifying a particular allergen can be done by an Immunologist. If the repeated attacks are not prevented premature onset of right heart failure may set in due to pulmonary hypertension. In addition, pls be under the follow-up care of a pulmonologist to avoid /treat acute episodes and by following these steps the further attacks of Asthma and deterioration of Emphysema can be checked. Wishing you a speedy recovery., Best regards., Chat Doctor. 