COPD-

[legionbarb]

I have been diagnosed with COPD and Emphysema with a life expectency   of 10
years  > The lung xray showed no mass so far. With both of these diseases are they related to cancer of the lung ? I have lost 30 % of my breathing  already and have alot of phlem.  A friend said COPD is Emphysema  ,  mine is bronchial COPD.what can I do to make breathing easier ? I have had lung injuries in past due to an accident ,and lung infections since the age of nine. Does anyone have a suggestion?
barb

[National Jewish Health]

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes both emphysema and chronic bronchitis.  There is a higher incidence of lung cancer in people with COPD, but that is far from inevitable, especially if one quits smoking.  With chronic bronchitis, there need not be a good correlation between the amount of mucus produced and the frequency of lung infections, on the one hand, and the degree of obstruction and loss of lung function, on the other.

Since you have had lung infections since the age of 9, this raises the possibility that you might have some underlying lung disease along with the COPD, such as cystic fibrosis.  You should have this diagnosis confirmed by a pulmonologist.  You should be using Spiriva® HandiHaler® (tiotropium bromide inhalation powder) and possibly an inhaled long-acting bronchodilator, such as Serevent® Inhalation Aerosol (salmeterol xinafoate).

The good news is that, having lost an estimated 30% of your breathing you should still have 70% of the predicted lung function.  Finally, the prediction of life expectancy is not an exact science.

[Debser]

How did they detrermine your ife expectancy?
Is that because you smoke?
Try nicorette gum...its really very satisfying, and has no smoke

[legionbarb]

  Thank you Ed , for your response, I do plan to make an appt to have my blood checked for the oxzgen level  and I will ask for an appt for a Pulmonolgist  and the required meds to help me. I have been smoking since the age of 13 and know it will be difficult and will strongly  give it a try  to be successful. I do alot of Parades and find my breathing to be a problem .Again thank you for the advice.
        Barb

[edlittlefox]

You are doing what you need to do, since you were just diagnosed. Your Doctor will either put you on some meds, or refer you to a Pulmonologist  who will.

Your friend is incorrect. Tho Emphysema is COPD , but COPD is not just Emphesyma, it is also Chronic Bronchitis and several other disorders.

My suggestion to you is, if you smoke, quit and if anyone in your household smokes, have them quit. Tobacco smoke is the last thing you need. The second thing is to become proactive in the treatment of your condition. It can be treated, and effectively,
but you have to do your part. Exercise, and plenty of it, is your best friend.

Hope this helps you.

Ed
COPD patient