David Lynch shares emphysema diagnosis from 'many years of smoking': Symptoms, causes and more

The 78-year-old director "enjoyed smoking very much" but is now living with a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chris Stoodley and Elizabeth Di Filippo
·4-min read

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.

US filmmaker David Lynch arrives to attend the 11th Annual Governors Awards gala hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on October 27, 2019. (Photo by Chris Delmas / AFP) (Photo by CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images)
Director David Lynch is sharing his emphysema diagnosis with fans. (Photo by CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images)

David Lynch is determined to keep working despite his ongoing health issues. In a new interview, the 78-year-old “Twin Peaks” director said he was diagnosed with emphysema, which has greatly impacted his ability to direct. Lynch told Sight and Sound magazine that he developed the chronic lung condition from “smoking so long.”

“I’m homebound whether I like it or not,” he said. Lynch, who has not directed a feature film since 2006’s “Inland Empire,” said his illness has made him cautious of his health. “It would be very bad for me to get sick.”

On Aug. 5th, Lynch shared a statement via X (formerly Twitter) about his emphysema diagnosis from “many years of smoking.”

“I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco - the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them - but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is emphysema,” he wrote. “I have now quit smoking for over two years. Recently I had many tests and the good news is that I am in excellent shape except for emphysema. I am filled with happiness, and I will never retire.”

What is emphysema and how limiting is its diagnosis? Keep reading to learn more about the disease, risk factors and treatment options.

Emphysema is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive lung disease that causes airways to become swollen and blocked. It's an umbrella term used to describe various lung conditions, including chronic bronchitis.

Emphysema develops over time and involves the gradual damage of tiny air sacs in your lungs called alveoli. The damage eventually causes these air sacs to rupture, reducing the surface area that lets oxygen move through the bloodstream.

Smoker's lungs, illustration
An illustration of compromised lung function due to smoking. (Image via Getty Images)

According to the Cleveland Clinic, fatigue and gradual shortness of breath are some of the first symptoms of emphysema. However, many people don’t notice symptoms until the disease has destroyed 50 per cent or more of their lung tissue.

Other symptoms can include:

  • Long-term coughing (also known as smoker’s cough)

  • Wheezing

  • Shortness of breath during light physical activity

  • Tightness in the chest

  • Abnormal mucus colour (yellow or green)

  • Ongoing fatigue

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Weight loss

  • Heart problems

  • Constant feeling of not being able to get enough air

The main cause of emphysema is long-term exposure to airborne irritants like tobacco smoke, marijuana smoke, air pollution, or chemical fumes and dust. In some rare instances, emphysema can be caused by Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, an inherited protein deficiency that can cause lung or liver damage.

An unrecognizable woman smokes a cigarette
Long-term exposure to smoke is one of the main causes of emphysema. (Image via Getty Images)

Different tests can diagnose emphysema at different phases. For example, a chest X-ray can help diagnose moderate or severe cases of emphysema, while a CT scan can be beneficial in diagnosing early stages of emphysema since it provides a more detailed image of the lungs.

Healthcare providers can order pulmonary function tests to measure the function of your lungs, blood tests or an arterial blood gas test to measure the levels of oxygen and carbon monoxide in your blood.

According to Yale Medicine, lung damage from emphysema is irreversible, and the disease is considered incurable. The main goal is to preserve lung function through lifestyle changes, medications and, in some instances, surgery.

Portrait of senior sick man with grey hair at home inhaling in isolation during the human pandemic. He inhales steam to treat a blocked nose during the day as alternative therapy or traditional cure. Rhinitis treatment at home by inhalation. Covid-19 virus
Emphysema is considered incurable. Preserving lung function is top-of-mind for patients and their healthcare providers. (Image via Getty Images)

People who smoke or vape are encouraged to quit and avoid second-hand exposure to smoke, chemical fumes and dust. Exercise can also help strengthen the cardiovascular system to “compensate for any respiratory defects.”

Medications can help dilate the airways to improve breathing, while antibiotics can help manage breathing difficulties when bacterial chest infections occur. Some people with emphysema may require supplemental oxygen, surgery and, in some situations, a lung transplant.

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