What kind of pills or treatment can somebody get for emphysema?

Limited: Options for treatment of emphysema are limited. The essential first step is stopping smoking. Several aids are available to help with quitting. If oxygen level is low, oxygen supplementation is benefitial. There are several inhalers both rescue and long term available for emphysema, but they are of limited benefit. Nutritional supplementation is essential.

Inhaled medicine: There is a lot you can do 1) smoking cessation ( this will slow how much lung function is lost over time. 2) inhaled medicines can help shortness of breath and decrease the risk of symptom flare ups, specifics 3) oxygen if advanced disease 4) vaccines for flu & pneumonia 5) pulmonary rehab 6) in select cases "lung volume reduction surgery" . All of these merit a talk with your dr. To discuss.

Depends...: Various tests can be done to see how severe the disease is and assess your oxygen level. Medicines include various inhalers like bronchodilators, inhaled steroids, pills like corticosteroids and even oxygen therapy, if your oxygen level is low enough. Smoking cessation is important to prevent further damage and allow for lung healing over time.