Does recurrent chest infections 'scar' the lungs?

[Poppin]

My mum has an fev of 14, and each time she has an infection leaves her less able to function and is increasingly breathless. I was just wondering if each infection damages what functioning lung tissue she has left and if so, is the damage permanent

Thank you in advance xx

[Hidden]

I think this is the case, each exacerbation means you lose a bit of function and it is permanent I think.

Marie x

[Poppin]

Thanks Marie, that is what I feared. She can no longer even walk from one end of the room to the other without gasping for breath. Fortunately she now has oxygen at home so at least her internal organs are protected xx

[Hidden]

Oh so sorry to hear about your mum poppin, she must be having a lot of difficulty at only fev 14%. It doesn't apply to every one that lung is damaged further after a lung infection but it is something that can often happen (which is why we always try to avoid infection where we can) The awful thing is with someone whose lungs are severely damaged already they are more vulnerable to infection and at higher risk of more damaged.

The best thing she can do is try and protect herself as much as possible, where she can absolutely no contact with any one who has a cold or virus and get he flu shot each year, and have a good diet to help try and boost her immune system. So glad she has the oxygen to help her. It must be worrying for you.

Take good care.

BC

[Poppin]

Thanks Blakey, she does seem very prone to picking up infections. She was hospitalised three times in as many months up until February, since the we have a community matron ( an absolute godsend ), so she picks up on early signs of infection and so can be treated at home, which is better for all of us. The consultant told us her next infection may be her last !!

She struggles to do anything at all now without struggling to breathe, and each infection has left her worse than before.

We all have flu jabs and ban anyone from visiting who may be remotely unwell.

Thanks again

Val xx

[Hidden in reply to Poppin]

Thank goodness you have the community matron looking out for her, and I expect your Mum gives a lot of thanks for a special daughter like you also looking out for her x x

[Poppin]

Aww thank you

[Lynne1955]

I agree with Blakey. I've just had a very nasty chest infection and was worried I would not get back to where I was before it (which is pretty good). My doctor reassured me that as I don't have many infections and keep fit, he didn't think I would suffer any further damage. Already I can tell I am almost as good as new(ish).

We are all different though and as you Mother has had so many, it possibly does affect her more each time. It's lovely to see she has such caring family to support her and I wish you all the very best.

Lynne xx

[Poppin]

Thank you Lynne, I hope you continue to recover.

Keeping infection at bay is the key but its difficult to achieve, we can't live in a sterile bubble.

Val xx

[Hidden]

Apologies all for the misinformation

M