COPD is an umbrella name that covers the respiratory diseases of emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and sometimes added is asthma. It stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. So, it sounds like you are showing some first signs of emphysema. These won't go away;but if very mild can be easily controlled by lifestyle and medication. The sooner you seek treatment, the more chance you have of never really having a problem. Please don't wait to become proactive. You really don't want to get worse.

Here is what an actual Medical Professional answered this inquiry
Emphysematous changes or Emphysema

MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL

National JewishBlank Oct 26, 2006

There is no medical difference between emphysema and emphysemic changes. It is impossible to say that a person has emphysema based upon the chest CT scan alone. This is not a definitive diagnosis of emphysema. It just means that some areas of emphysema are seen on your chest CT scan. So emphysemic changes is the most accurate term to use in describing your chest CT scan. These changes, which include centrilobular emphysema, are typically seen with emphysema. However, it is only possible to say that a person has emphysema based upon the results of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) along with the chest CT scan. The amount and significance of what is seen on your chest CT scan can easily be determined by PFTs. This is the gold standard for making the diagnosis of emphysema.

Please keep in mind that emphysema progresses 3 times faster in those who continue to smoke compared with those who never smoke again. Whether or not you are given the definitive diagnosis of emphysema, please consider never smoking again

Mild emphysenic changes is copd. I am in the same category and here in uk you are just put under the care of a nurse, no pulmologist. Use your meds. And visit doc for the slightest pulmonary problem. Getting sick is the fastest way to deteriorate

Rubbish, emphysema is incurable and progressive

Your PFT results confirm the CT scan results. You have emphysema, which is part of COPD. COPD is an umbrella term and includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis and a couple other, unpronounceable, things. When you see the pulmo ask for an Alpha-1 blood test. That's a protein deficiency that results in liver and lung damage and is treated differently that the garden variety. Have the doc or one of his staff walk you around the office or halls to determine whether you need supplementary O2 at this point. You also need to ask, "What can I do to improve my situation?" You should be told to exercise daily, get to a health weight, take your meds and don't get respiratory stuff.

Jean