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A member asked:
What are the chances of getting emphysema if you have not smoked in 30 years?
13 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Limited: But the answer is more related to how many packs a day and for how many years you smoked (packs x years), also related to individual genetic factors. If you have cough or shortness of breath, see your doctor for a spirometry (breathing test). The test is quick and simple.
Answered 11/21/2013
6.1k views
Pretty low: If you haven't smoked for a long time, the risk of developing new emphysema is pretty low. But, any damage that was sustained previously will always be there. Whatever lung is lost, is lost, unfortunately.
Answered 11/2/2012
5.6k views
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