Winehouse emphysema fears calmed

Amy Winehouse has not developed emphysema after all, according to the singer's representative.

Her father, Mitch, had suggested his daughter had shown symptoms of early stage emphysema brought on by heavy use of crack cocaine and cigarettes.

But publicist Tracey Miller said he had misspoken "out of his concern for her."

She added: "She is not diagnosed with full-blown emphysema, but instead has early signs of what could lead to emphysema."

Mitch Winehouse said: "The doctors have told her if she goes back to smoking drugs, it won't just ruin her voice, it will kill her."

However he later appeared to downplay his ominous statements and clarified the situation.

He said: "Amy really hasn't got emphysema, there's traces of emphysema. Obviously, if she doesn't quit smoking, it's going to get worse, like everyone else ... with patience her lungs will recover completely."

Fans of the singer have cause for optimism after he added that Amy was covered in nicotine patches and is "flourishing" in response to treatments.

The 24-year-old soul diva collapsed at her north London home last Monday after signing autographs for a group of fans and was taken to a London hospital for tests. She remained there all week.

She is still scheduled to sing at a concert in London on Friday celebrating the 90th birthday of Nelson Mandela and plans to take part in the Glastonbury music festival the following day.

Her dad said it would be good for his daughter to perform.

"When she's been inactive work-wise then that's when the problems really start. The doctors have said that medically there isn't any reason why she can't do Glastonbury," he said.

He also urged her drug-taking friends to keep their distance.

"What hope does she have if people are taking drugs around her?" he said.

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