Not been on here long but for a while now I’ve been suffering with my breathing I’ve had xrays blood test, I’ve had a spirometry test which I scored 86% which I no is on the lower side of the norm but I’ve been really suffering with symptoms ever since had a x2 chest infections one after the other my chest hasn’t felt the same since, I have smoked on and off for about 15 years, I’ve been getting breathless for a while just been ignoring it but lately can really notice it, my chest feels so tight and I’ve been wheezing and have had a cough for a while I don’t smoke anymore when I had the first chest infection I stopped straight away I’ve never felt so bad before, I could hear myself breathing it was quite scary and even now sometimes I hear the same noise, has anyone been through this my age am 33 years old nearly 34 and has some positivity for me please I need some good thoughts
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Ne33
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Basically there could be a number of reasons for you felling short of breath. Personally I would not worry about the 86%. I know it's the low end of normal but as others will tell you a spirometry test can be affected by many factors and you could well be normal. My advice to you would be to look at the things you can do for yourself. Obviously the first is completely give up smoking. I do not think in reality anyone needs to tell you that. The next is look at your weight. Being over or under weight can affect your breathing and it is something that you can do to help yourself. Next after getting advice start exercising it can only help the situation. Lastly from your post you sound very anxious about the situation around your breathing. This is normal. I think most members of this site will admit to becoming anxious on diagnosis or after their first serious illness. Anxiety will make your breathing worse. My advice would be to go on to YouTube and learn relaxation techniques to control your breathing. Your breathing results are still very good and there is so much you can do to help yourself. BUT....Nobody can do it for you! Time to start making those lifestyle changes and be positive about yourself.
Yes, look on it as a wake up call to live a healthier life, which is what I did. And try joining a singing group or choir, to learn breathing techniques that will help you control your breathlessness. If you're concerned that you can't sing and live in the UK, look up one of the singing for lung health groups on the British Lung Foundation website.
Thankyou so much for ur reply’s I am very anxious am scared about what the future holds for me I have a young family and trying to be ok for them, I have completely stopped smoking Had a cough for a while and was ignoring it, I then got the x2 chest infections so stopping smoking was so easy as I was sick and worrying so much, I am doing more walking now but finding it really hard to be motivated because of the feeling of worry all the time, am supposed to be going away next month on a plane and am worrying about the flight and not being able to breath that high up if it is copd, coz of all the symptoms am having I feel my spirometry score maybe wrong, somebody did mention this to me yesterday which has obviously really worried me, i have been prescribed inhalers which I have been using, i will definitely look into a choir would love to give that a try thankyou for ur kind words just needing to talk to someone about things
I was in my late 30s when I started having breathing problems, I will turn 70 next week. I have Bronchiectasis (copd with additional weakening of the airways) and asthma.
The best advice I can give you is to be proactive in improving your health.
Talk to your specialist about trying different meds if the ones you are taking are not working.
Exercise if possible (if only walking around for short periods).
Take a look at your environment (things that you may have a reaction to).
Lower your stress level.
Try alternatives to prescribed meds, such at certain vitamins, minerals, essential oils, etc.
The internet is a great informational resource. So is this forum.
At 69, I don't use oxygen, I have a percussion vest and use a nebulizer twice daily, and still can do most of my daily activities. I just get short of breath if doing something strenuous.
You don't need any inhalers or meds. Get yourself a (ceramic) salt pipe (very cheap on ebay) and use it every day. Cut out the sugar and grains. Eat real food (Paleo/Keto). Eat blueberries several times a week if not every day. Exercise.
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