Emphysema/COPD sypmtoms such as cough/mucus, shortness of breath,and low 02.

[sjsdrs]

These problems can be addressed by discontinuing alcohol which can cause alcohol related cardiomyopathy. This weakening of the heart whole drinking leads to fluid build-up in the lungs and elsewhere, this can cause a serious worsening of your condition.

[Sohara]

I have never drunk alcohol since I was a teenager, and then only a glass or two when out. So for me ( a life long copd emphysema sufferer) your statement holds no truth at all

[jemash in reply to Sohara]

Totally agree with you sohara, I haven't drunk alcohol for a long time & it isn't related to copd at all! My husband has cardiomyopathy because of drinking! & his lungs are fine.

[sjsdrs]

Yes, certainly that would apply only to those who abuse alcohol but haven't the sense and/or medical advice available.

[qbjb]

I am interested to learn why you posted this. Are you suggesting that these health problems can be cured by becoming teetotal?

[jemash in reply to qbjb]

If that we're the case, I would be cured qbjb!! : )

[qbjb in reply to jemash]

Lol, me too!

[happyfeet59 in reply to qbjb]

wow! instant cure! throw away the oxygen and get on the bike!!! why didn't I think of this before! it is my ONE glass of wine I have on a Sundday that is causing it all!!!

[qbjb in reply to happyfeet59]

Goshdarn - now why didn't I think of that!! It's so simple!!

[AlBlownout]

As if life with COPD isn't of low enough quality, let's try to make the poor sods feel guilty about having a drink or two. Let's focus on genuine reasons for exacerbations and leave the odd social pleasure suffers may have alone.

[peege]

Thanks for your timely post. I get that you're only talking about heavy drinkers. Not we pure copders here!

I've been thinking about it a lot over the festivities. I rarely drink alcohol but two of my children do. I cannot believe how much they pack in especially when son has asthma and daughter has PCO syndrome. Both are cutting down on the smoking because they are trying for babies. It's frightening to see. 2 very intelligent people abuse their bodies in this way.

They didn't learn these habits from their parents for sure. We were so laid back we were nearly falling over already. Perhaps it's the only way they could rebel.

Having said that, when people are suffering & alone I wouldn't blame them for drowning their sorrow & pain of an evening. P

[music]

You got me thinking now has often wonder this and hope this is not so has i have always and still do like a 1-2 sometimes 3 pints a couple of evenings a week.

It was hard enough to pack up smoking has they just went together but i did, I must admit i think i seem to know my own body sometimes and up till now even with copd i dont feel bad or ill the next day at the moment if i have a few beers now and again

[Hidden]

Of course this does not apply to every one with copd, since not all diagnosed are regular or heavy drinkers, and may not have been prior to diagnosis.

However it is generally known that any fizzy drink alcoholic or non alcoholic beyond one glass can and does cause added breathing difficulties. The gas can restrict diaphragm space and hinder breathing.

If excessive alcohol is consumed, this could lead to making choices that will jeopardize health further, (this would apply to any person generally), but for an already damaged lung person could result in them ending up in A&E.

[katieoxo60]

Just come across this post, I agree with you there is no evidence I am aware of that alcohol in small amounts worsens COPD symptoms. However red wine does worsen chest symptoms due to the sulphur in it.But red wine helps heart conditions.Alcohol also raises blood pressure in the same way smoking does. Most of us don't drink due to the drugs we take, in fact when I am on holiday I stop my painkillers in order to have a large wine with my evening meal especially when its part of the holiday package. COPD, Asthma and hypertension can strain the heart or cause cardiomyopathy without ever having drunk alcohol. Now we are to be made to feel guilty about alcohol as well as being ex smokers. Of course as in my case there are also many treatment drugs that make breathing and the cough worse as it does for many asthmatics too. And the steroid drugs cause weight gain with long term use as does eating high calorie foods in large amounts but I for one do not intend to give up food or suggest it is bad for anyone.Next thing they will be saying our hand tremors are DTs when infact it's certain inhalers,benign hand tremor, or arthritis muscle wastage or a combination of all three. Hope those who enjoy a drink are relaxing with a glass in front of the TV.

[Hidden in reply to katieoxo60]

Bit early in the day for me to be drinking or watching tv, it's only 10.50 am.

[katieoxo60 in reply to Hidden]

have to be the coffee then, i'm a tea drinker myself. sad news about KOTC isn't it?

[Hidden in reply to katieoxo60]

You enjoy what you like Katie, yes as my comment on appropriate post.

[Toci]

Is this a joke? To suggest that giving up my odd glass of wine will mean the end of coughing, will give me more breath and will raise my O2 levels?

[Hidden in reply to Toci]

Enjoy your odd glass toci. A small shot glass of cough syrup may help relieve the coughing ( at one time they contained alcohol )

[snow54flake]

well i gave up smoking a year ago and i enjoy a glass of red wine when i am cooking my evening meal and one with my meal sorry but i intend to carrry on as i am doing. as you were marian xx

[onamission]

In the days of moderate COPD I used to drink to get a good nights sleep due to the pain in my back then I was sent to the pain clinic the deal is I eat sensibly exercise and stop drinking and the NHS give me spine blocks every 3 months I'm lucky if I get them every 5 months.

[kimmy59]

Why does everything have to be analysed to death, I've hot Emphysema but I've never been a heavy drinker but I had a few last night at a party, I wondered how long it would take before it would be bad for my lung problem. Just like they blame smoking for everything, but a doctor told me smoking is about 9th on the list of things that are bad for you. Might as well just give up now.

[tomc in reply to kimmy59]

That`s Interesting. What are the preceding baddies to the 9th do you know?.

Or is this just another tool of the doctors to terrify people.

Tom.

[kimmy59 in reply to tomc]

He must have elaborated at the time but I can't remember, pollution etc I expect.

Kim

[tomc in reply to kimmy59]

My doctor said just one or two words..1/breathing, 2/ modern living standards.

That says a lot doesn't it.

If you want to stay healthy stop breathing in todays atmosphere ( I think ) that's what he was saying.

But he did have a point of going back to the olden days way of life. diet exercise and a less stressful pace of life.

Tom.

[scorpiolass]

I guess all things need to be in moderation. About 10 years ago I asked my then Dr about my habit of drinking a glass of red wine with my dinner. She said carry on, it's an excellent anti-oxidant, very good for COPD. I think there is research about inflammation & anti oxidants somewhere....

[tomc in reply to scorpiolass]

When I worked with the highways, we started at 9am and the local pub just across the road from our depot started opening at 8am.

Some of the lads would nip in for a quick pint before starting work.

One of the lads felt quite ill and went to see his doctor who asked him about his drinking habit, he replied I don't have a drink problem but yes I do drink in moderation.

He went on to tell his doctor of his ritual of having an early morning pint with workmates and was astounded when the reply was, YOUR AN ALOHOLIC.

By the way this was the only time he ever did drink.

Tom.

[Riverbank]

My sister was an alcoholic, and she smoked but she never had COPD.