COPD

[little raven]

I am a 68 year old female. I have had bronchitis for several years but never anything serious until this last January 2009. I had the flu and have never gotten over the respiratory problems. Have been to pulmonolighst. Was Diagnosed with COPD Chronic Bronchitis. Have been to Dr. once a mont at least until last month. Prednosone would get me over respiratory problems until aweek to ten days off the prednosone. Now taking 5mg daily along with nebulizer treatments 4 times daily symbicort x2, spriveax1. would appreciate any advice on diet and exercise. Last week I had to make a trip out of state to help with care of my Mom after a few days began having problems breathing. Went to ER for recovery doing better but not well yet. Have app with MD this morning for follow up. Any advice will help. I am so new and scared with this problem. Thanks Mum

[Davy9]

COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is not just one disease but any chronic lung problem that impedes (obstructs) exhalation. You sound as though you have been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. That is characterized by acute and chronic changes in the airways in your lungs. They are inflamed, produce excess and thicker type mucous and probably suffer from muscular bronchospasms. Because of your recent illness they may have more of an acute inflammation that should taper off in time. But the lungs will always be susceptible to any sort of irritation whether it is an infection, smoke, fumes or allergic type dusts and pollens.

You did not say how severe the problem is. Have you had any pulmonary function studies done? Have they checked your arterial blood gases and done any heart studies? Do you smoke (did you ever smoke) tobacco?

In summary you will need to learn how to protect your lungs from what will irritate them while you maximize your general health given any limitations that can be presented by your lungs and/or heart. You just need to learn these things and how to go about incorporating them into your daily living. Then do them.

[little raven]

Thank you so much for your advice. I was a smoker until January of 2009 when i had the bad case of the flu. . Did have pulmonary test. Did not get a report copy.
said I had no emphesema or asthma. Just had chronic bronchitis. Saw personal doctor thios morning. Said there was some whizzing and tightness. She thinks problem may partly panic attack . Oxidation was 93 when I got in her office. Saturday night at ER it was 88. She also told me to stay away from smoke, chemicals,pollen,( I live in the middle of a cedar forrest) and stay away from sick people. Thanks for your info. Mumsmag