I have a granddaughter that just had her middle right lobe of her lung removed due to lobar emphysema. She is five weeks old now. What are the chances of another lobe developing this condition? Will she have any other affects or a shortened life span because of this?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Your granddaughter is having congenital emphysema. And this can be developed in other lobes of lungs in future life. Surgery is not the only option for lobar emphysema. At present, she has undergone surgery is ok. But if she develops emphysema into future then no need for surgery. She should first start medical management of emphysema which includes inhaled bronchodilator and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Exact percentage of chances of future development of emphysema is difficult to tell. But over all in whole life she is having 50-60% chances. And definitely, this will hamper her quality of life and life expectancy also. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your granddaughter. Thanks.