On 23 June 2008 a spokesperson for Winehouse confirmed that she has been diagnosed with early signs of what could lead to emphysema.[90] Mitch Winehouse reported that his daughter's lungs are operating at 70 percent capacity. In addition he said she has an irregular heartbeat. Mr. Winehouse said these problems were caused by her chain cigarette smoking and crack cocaine usage. The singer’s father also reported that doctors have warned Winehouse that continued smoking of crack cocaine will result in her having to wear an oxygen mask and will be fatal.[91] In a radio interview Mitch Winehouse said the singer is responding "fabulously " to treatment which includes being covered with nicotine patches.[92] British Lung Foundation spokesperson Dr. Keith Prowse noted this type of condition can be managed with treatment. Prowse also said the condition is not normal for a person her age but "heavy smoking and inhaling other substances like drugs can age the lungs prematurely".[93] Dr. Norman H. Edelman, Chief Medical Officer for the American Lung Association explained that if she stopped smoking her lung functions would decline at the rate of a normal person but continued smoking would lead to a more rapid decline in lung function.[94] Photographs of the singer with a cigarette in her mouth, taken 23 June 2008, were widely published.[95] Winehouse was released from The London Clinic 24 hours after returning from a temporary leave in order to perform at the Mandela 90th birthday and Glastonbury concerts, and is now being treated as an outpatient. [Wiki]

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