New to community

[Rono1960]

Hello everyone just here to observe and have not gone to a doctor as of yet, but concerned that I'm 56 and still smoking, had a brother that was diagnosed by autopsy as have some evidence of emphysema does that hat mean i automatically have it?

[stone-UK]

Hi

There's no rule of thumb, but as you are still smoking then the likelihood of a lung condition is heightened.

If you have none of the usual symptoms, cough, increase in mucus production, breathlessness on excertion. Then now is the time to consider your future health and make attempts to stop.

If you experience any of the symptoms then it's time for a visit to GP for testing.

If you think you would have trouble in smoking cessation you could try e- cigs as a alternative and to help in stopping.

[sassy59]

Welcome Rono, smoking will increase your chances of developing heart and lung problems so try and get help to quit if you can.

Sorry to hear about your brother and wish you well. Xxxxx

[cofdrop-UK]

Welcome Rono. cx

[y_not]

Hi Rono,

I was told about "pack years": a person who smokes 40 cigarettes a day and has smoked for 10 years would have a 20 pack-year smoking history (40 cigarettes per day ÷ 20 cigarettes per pack = 2; 2 x 10 years of smoking = 20 pack-year history). As I remember they say that the risk of COPD increases massively when a person hits the "20 pack years" point ... for me it was 40 a day for 40 years so I think I "did my time" as a smoker.

I've not read anything about it being hereditary - but hey, what do I know? If you're thinking that stopping is a good option (and remember each extra smoke puts you closer to the line) what I found most odd was that when I stopped (straight from 40 a day to noting overnight ... actually Friday night 5 years ago) all the really bad things I expected to happen didn't!!

Worth getting spirometry tests done - allows you to see how fast the lungs are getting worse and maybe helps with a decision.

Hope you get an all-clear and you are able to stop simply because you want to (rather than need to)

Best wishes

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

No not at all, go and see your GP just to put your mind at rest. Let us know how you are 😊 xxx Bernadette