Whitney Houston Battling Emphysema?

The story comes from the National Enquirer so reader beware, but they are reporting that Whitney Houston has been diagnosed with early stage emphysema. The report indicates that doctors have told Whitney she has got to stop smoking now.

It certainly wouldn't be that surprising if the story is true. Whitney recently checked herself into rehab, and her past series of concert dates have been rough both in performance and scheduling. Several shows were canceled or postponed, and the performance reviews noted Whitney's raspy delivery.

As for the truth to all of this, Whitney's reps have responded that the story is absolutely false. They say that the singer is suffering from a respiratory infection and nothing more. Whitney Houston is now 46 years old, and her habits over the past decade are no secret. The reports say she doesn't want to quit smoking. Wanting to and needing to are entirely different things. Hope she gets the help she needs.  (via wonderwall.msn.com)