Some Emphysema like changes can occur because of pneumonia, bronchitis and other type scarring in the lungs. If you are smoking, quit now, and consider this to be a nice early warning. Many people do have signs and symptoms of emphysema and still have normal or near normal spirometry Your doc may very well be right. If you quit now, you may never have enough or a problem to even be diagnosed. Keep smoking and all bets are off.

and obviously you will quit smoking...right ?

Jean your first answer was "Some Emphysema like changes can occur because of pneumonia, bronchitis and other type scarring in the lungs. If you are smoking, quit now, and consider this to be a nice early warning. Many people do have signs and symptoms of emphysema and still have normal or near normal spirometry Your doc may very well be right. If you quit now, you may never have enough or a problem to even be diagnosed. Keep smoking and all bets are off."
Your second answer was "If you have emphysema, whether it's mild, moderate or severe, you have COPD
My question to you is based on the person (garyy) his person physician Did NOT diagnosis COPD but emphysematous changes . Is it possible he could have HRCT Emphysema and not have clinical diagnosis ? thank you

If you have emphysema, whether it's mild, moderate or severe, you have COPD.

Definitely doesn't want you to smoke! Just an opinion!? Agree with above notation!