Copd emphysematous

[Orange_Lemmon]

Hi I'd like to ask I have copd moderately severe, and emphysema, which I was told a few weeks ago, I had pneumonia which showed up on xray, I have another xray next week just to check it cleared and its nothing else, I'm new to it all 🤭 so I was wondering does it get worse over time, I'm 52 sorry to ask I don't really understand a lot of it 😊 xx

[Patk1]

Welcome to the forum.copd is an umbrella term for emphysema and chronic bronchitis - so emphysema is copd.Hope yr infection has cleared.to avoid exacerbations,try to avoid people with viruses as infections often follow viral infections,with lung disease.i carry a mask+ handgel everywhere. Keep as active as u can.treat infections/ exacerbations as early as poss to avoid further damage.id ask gp for referral to pulmonary rehab where u will learn more about copd + exercise too.if u smoke,do stop + avoid others smoke,any fumes,bonfires etc to protect yr lungs.aluk have a helpline, if u would like to talk,ask questions

0300 222 5800 mon - Fri 9.15 - 5pm

[Annscottie]

Hello. Lots of information on the Asthma and Lung UK website which should help to explain COPD

asthmaandlung.org.uk/condit...

Obviously as we get older our lungs do too but you can slow down COPD progression with exercise and if you smoke then try to give up.

Hope the website answers some of your questions and of course keep posting and asking here too.

I hope that the xray shows that pneumonia has cleared.

Best wishes.

(I have severe COPD after being diagnosed about 15 years ago.)

[sassy59]

Welcome to the forum. Lots of good people on here who will give advice if needed and you’ve had two great replies already l see. Xxx

[Mopsey1897]

Hi Orange Lemmon. I also have copd with emphysema. Not everyone with copd has emphysema. I had my lung function tests last year, have you had these yet? Your pneumonia will clear soon I’m sure. Emphysema and copd does get worse over the years but it can be slowed down with exercise, not smoking and keeping your weight normal. Try and keep a positive mental attitude towards it as well as I’m sure this may help. Eating anything that bloats my stomach affects my breathing so watch for this as well. If they give you an inhaler and spacer use this whenever you’re going to do something you know makes you breathless. This group will always help you with questions as the people here are lovely. Try not to worry too much. Does your gp have a respiratory nurse? Ad someone else has said, find out if you’re eligible for rehab as this will be good for you. And stay away from anyone who’s not well! Take care

[peege]

Yes, Patk1 is right copd is emphysema they are one and the same. In UK COPD is an umbrella term for both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Copd is a progressive disease, it will progress quickly if you smoke, don't have a healthy diet, don't exercise &/or overweight. It will progress less quickly if you can make the investment of any life changes that you need to. Perhaps you could take this as an early warning. There are lots of members in their 70s & 80s living with copd (or other lung diseases) with good quality of life

Welcome to the forum, no question is too trivial, we've all floundered with a lung diagnosis at some stage.

[Mopsey1897 in reply to peege]

It’s funny as my consultant considers them two separate issues. He diagnosed me with emphysema from a ct scan then sent me for lung function tests to see if I have copd as he said not everyone with emphysema will have copd!

[Ergendl]

Consider joining a singing for lung health group or play a recorder or harmonica or similar. These can strengthen your breathing muscles and give you more control over them. The Asthma and Lung UK website has a page about support groups where you can find out if one is in your area.

[PaperQueen]

I think Patk1 covered everything in her reply so nothing to add but hello and welcome. x

[Karenanne61]

Along side the advice given I'd also add, go on every course offered. I started with pulmonary rehab when first diagnosed, copd and bronchiectasis, and recently 'copd and me', facilitated by respiratory nurse and respiratory physio, then 'Living well with breathlessness' held at my local Hospice. I am now attending the local hospice once a week for their 'Living well' sessions. All have been extremely beneficial.

[Patk1 in reply to Karenanne61]

Are they educational or exercise classes at hospice karenanne61.they sound really gd x

[Karenanne61 in reply to Patk1]

The 'Living well with breathlessness ' was educational , ending with seated chair stretches. (10 -12 Five weeks oneday a week. )The Monday, 'Living well' sessions (10 -2. Can buy lunch or bring your own) are a mix of various things, e.g last Monday the theme was Mardi Gras. One lady baked King Cake, the equivalent of our pancakes. Some of us decorated masks in the art room, we can have hand or foot massage. We all sit around a large table and lunch is served. The final hour is talking about the theme - supposedly but we kept veering off.🤣 I have enjoyed a piano recital and a photography exhibition. There are plenty of volunteers, it is facilitated by a Hospice nurse. The palliative social worker pops in . Not every one has lung issues but other, life limiting, conditions. So far, I am finding it beneficial and fun - and it gives my husband a break!

[Patk1 in reply to Karenanne61]

Sounds great .i hope u dont mind that ive saved yr reply for future reference whn im able to look into if our hospice offer similar.thsnku xxxx

[Karenanne61 in reply to Patk1]

Of course I don't mind. I wish everyone could access these courses.

[Nicholatracy]

there is no cure for emphysema but there are many things you can do to slow it down. Exercise, diet, stop smoking and take your meds. This will all help 🐞🐝

[Loopylorre]

As everyone else has said, keep as well as you can, healthy diet, plenty of exercise when you can & it does help, it is a progressive disease but you can help to slow it down, good luck to you & lots of people have given you great advice, take care 😊🌸💐🌷

[islande]

I attended a pulmonary rehab course I was skeptical about it but enjoyed it and I normally hate any exercise except walking they give a talk at end of session different topic every week covering everything you need to know as your gp to refer you