Can very early stage emphysema be treated?

Yes: The single most important thing to do is discontinue smoking. After that early stage disease would be treated by the use of an inhaled bronchodilator ( a medicine to open the airways) which may help exercise tolerance, pulmonary rehab which is a graded supervised exercise program that will help teach one about the disease and also helps improve exercise tolerance. A flu shot yearly as well.

Yes: First, quit smoking. There are several types of medications which relax the airways and improve airflow. These are called beta agonists and anticholinergics. Some are short acting, others can last for 12-24 hours.

Yes...: Treatment includes bronchodilator and steroid inhalers as well as treating infections early and aggressively. Smoking cessation at this stage is critical to decrease airway inflammation and slow disease progression. If your blood oxygen level is low enough, supplemental oxygen is prescribed.

Emphysema.: Emphysema is a destruction of lung tissue with resultant reduction in oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange and respiratory effort. It's usually due to smoking but could be due to other medial conditions. It's treatable but not curable. Symptoms of shortness of breath can be treated with inhaled medications taken daily.