COPD

[Denver2009]

I am 34 and just found out 2 days ago that I have copd I dont know what to expect. I still smoke but I am trying to quit. It is gonna be hard cause have smoked since I was bout 13. Can I continue to live my life normally. Any info I can get is helpful. thanks.

[Davy9]

You need to learn more about your diagnosis to determine how much this will affect your life. COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and it encompasses several processes that impede airflow on exhalation. Primarily this includes asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. They can exist individually or in combination and they can vary in severity. The test most often done to assess COPD is a pulmonary function study. They can be a simple screening study in a Dr's office or full blown lab studies with treadmills, etc... Once this is done they will be able to give you some idea as to the specific type of COPD and how severe it is and (possibly) how it responds to certain types of treatment.

There is no doubt that ending the smoking is a good idea regardless of the situation.

[Denver2009]

I have already been tested by my doctor. I have had asthma my entire life and yes I smoked anyway. But he said the two main conditions I have are emphysema (which runs in my family) and chronic bronchitus. I have moderate copd and he has me on right now antibiotics and a steriod and I still have my inhaler. Is there anything else I should be on or should I go see a specialist.

[Davy9]

Ask your doctor about alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency. I would consider consulting a pulmonologist physician.

[gailc]

You're still young. I found out when I was 59 and I quit 2 years ago. You stop now and you'll have many years ahead of you. Believe me, I smoked more years than you and my prognosis is still good. You can do it! Does it burn when you inhale? You've been given a warning. Take this as a good thing.