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 effectve 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 anterioposterior diameter is more than the transverse diameter. Have you done all the routinne investigations (Blood counts including eosinophil absolute/blood chemistry/urine analysis),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 brochodilator inhalers and locally acting /short acting steroidal(Eg-Budesonide/fluticazone) inhalers. 3)In an acute attack pls get hospitalised and nebulised with above medications. 4)Mast cell Stabilisers such as Sodium Chromoglycate inhalers are also available.It is very useful for prevention of acute attacks. 5) In addition breathing excercises will help. 6)Avoid dust and house dust mite /keep your residence dust free.Avoid vehicular emissions. 7)In addition Desensitisation 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 episosodes and by following these steps the further attacks of Asthma and deterioration of Emphysema can be checked. wishing you a speedy recovery., Best regards., Dr Lt Cdr ASN Bhushan. Ex-navy.