I was diagnosed with moderate emphysema (57) and I am 68 year old. I was told by the Pulmonologist to exercise 30 minutes a day,

[srhawley]

eat healthy, take Spiriva daily and use albuterol as needed. Do any of you use Spiriva? How do I know if I'm having an exacerbation?

[Suzy6]

Hi, Interesting question. I have never been sure. Someone will be along soon who will explain it to us. xx

[srhawley]

Thanks for replying Suzy6. I'm new to this. If you don't mind my asking what do you have?

[Suzy6 in reply to srhawley]

Ask away no problem. Emphysema FEV1 32.5%. I'm 72 soon and was diagnosed 18 months ago. I'm very lucky though I am still fairly active and have only had one chest infection in that time. Lots of colds but not gone to my chest. xx

[srhawley in reply to Suzy6]

I was feeling good for about two weeks, then I got this chronic cough but no other symptoms, not a cold and my breathing hasn't changed. I take Spiriva and use albuterol and I walk daily for an hour. What meds do you take for emphysema?

[Suzy6 in reply to srhawley]

I do get coughing fits but normally when I need to bring up mucus which fortunately I seem to be able to do easily. You have asked the question on the right forum. There are some very friendly knowledgeable people on here. Might take a while being a lovely day and a Saturday xx

[srhawley in reply to Suzy6]

Well thank you. I live in Alaska and its late here so I think I'll turn in. Good Night.

[Suzy6 in reply to srhawley]

Good night sleep well. I'm in England xx It is 8.45 am morning here. xx

[cory43 in reply to Suzy6]

Hi if you get lots of colds take garlic and honey in the morning, one clove of garlic cut into bits put on a spoon and cover with the honey, I haven't had a cold in over 20 years, even if everyone near me have one, bugs hate garlic and its good for a lot of other things, Google it !

[stone-UK]

Hi

A exacerbation is a worsening of you condition, either mucus colouring, or more breathless .

At the onset you would take your rescue pack as prescribed by your GP.

Have you be given a home management plan? Do you have a home rescue pack?

Consisting of Antibiotics and steroid tablet . Prednisolone .

Have you be offered a pulmonary rehablitation course..

If none apply speak to your respiratory nurse or G P.

If you go to pinned post on right of screen, Abbreviations and Links, scroll down to bottom ther is a link to PR and a link to exercise.

I have the same condition 67 use Spiriva. Seretide and ventoline.

[srhawley in reply to stone-UK]

Thanks stone. The link was very helpful.

[skinnylizzy59]

Hi srhawley, welcome. I use Spiriva every morning with no problems, I'm sure it helps to keep me healthy. I do have exacerbations but not very often (fingers crossed). I know I've got one because my eyes feel heavy, I feel cold, I cough up really thick mucus and feel generally unwell so I take my 'Reserve' medication, Ciprofloxacin, for 10 - 14 days and I feel better after 3 days but have to continue to take the medication to ensure that the infection is cleared. Hope this is helpful. Good luck. Take care Lizzy.

[FarmerD]

Hello Srhawley,we are all different but an exacerbation to me is when all of a sudden I have real difficulty breathing.By that I mean can,t catch a breath and start to panic,sweat and shake.At this point I have to use my salbutamol inhaler,if that does,nt help have to use my nebuliser,sometimes heart rate goes so high have to phone for ambulance( see picture) spent all night in resus and was admitted for a week.I,m 58, severe Copd 10 years ago Jan 2013 severe emphysema ,pneumonia.on Spiriva 18,Seretide 500, salbutamol inhaler and nebulisers,hope that helps.Good luck,D.