COPD

[Hazbo]

Do people who cut smoking down find symptoms just as bad?

[Hidden]

I know if i give up smoking my lungs would start to try clean them self and that would drown me bit like infections do.

Was talking to my lung doctor and he said to lessen effect would be better of useing a ecig then stop.

As the dont have as many toxins as real cigs.

All depends what dieases you have and severity to what symptoms you experience

[Kathygwanny]

I had an aggravating cough for a while when I stopped. Doc said it was lungs cleaning themselves. My advice: Stop smoking now.

[katieoxo60]

Hi Hazbo, cutting down cigs is one way of going towards being a non smoker, but won't help the illness or symptoms. Often when people give up the symptoms get worse before they get better that's why some people go back to ciggys . Sadly there is only one way give up, which will slow down the progress of any illness but do try other things to help, like patches ,gum and e cigs or even the NHS quit program. Can't often change the lung damage but can prevent further damage. Good Luck with it.

[Ian_D]

I quit over 20yrs ago-copd arrived eighteen months ago...(?!)

[squady in reply to Ian_D]

that's the nature of the beast,ive been told even if you smoked a lot ages ago you can come down with it. the problem is it shows itself n a very mild stage one stage by the time it gets to stage two we realise its too late.

I ave bronchiectasis and when I got stage two copd I just thought it was the same old bronchiectasis.

[Nottobad]

I quit 20 months ago using the e cig. And my breathing is a lot better. I know everyone is different. But just cutting down doesn't rearly help you have to stop. To feel any benefit. Hope you stop soon take care. When I say better I mean not as bad as if I was still smoking . X

[Nanny1086]

As an ex smoker if 20+a day for over 30 years ,,, until 1992 ,,,,,I can tell you now ,

STOP SMOKING NOW,,,,,,, I would be dead now if I hadn't stopped when I did ,,,,the message is quite simple ,,,,,read all the comments on here from your fellow COPD sufferers ,,,,,,they will all tell you the same ,,,,,STOP SMOKING NOW ,

[ElTope]

I stopped smoking almost 30 years ago,at that time the perceived wisdom was that 10 years after stopping your lungs were as healthy as a non smoker. I have recently been diagnosed wire COPD (emphysema) which consultant says is due to my smoking. He also said that I have fibrosis caused by old healed TB which I have never been diagnosed with or had symptoms of!!

[PastMeBest in reply to ElTope]

Hi ElTope I was also told years ago that if you stopped smoking your lungs would be the same as a none smoker after 10 years. The damage caused to the lungs through smoking can't be fixed and all you can hope for by giving up smoking is that it won't get any worse.

I stopped smoking 22 years ago and have only recently been diagnosed with COPD (emphysema).

Regards. John

[PastMeBest]

Hi Hazbo most smokers wanting to give up look for excuses to keep smoking but if they value their health then they need to Stop Smoking NOW. Only the person smoking can decide what is more important to themselves, smoking or their health. When they decide that their health is more important that is when they will do something about giving up smoking.

There are plenty of options out there if they genuinely want to give up smoking, all they have to do is ask and it is there for the taking.

Anyone stopping smoking will find it hard and yes it takes time for all the junk in your lungs to clear out. That is why most people finish up coughing and feeling worse. The longer you stay packed in for though the better it gets. You just need to give your body time to adjust.

All the time you continue to smoke your lungs are being damaged. You may not show any signs of it now but be assured it will catch up with you in the future. Maybe not for 10, 15 or even 20 years but it will definitely catch up with you.

The price you pay for smoking can be seen by reading some of the posts on here. Believe me, they are telling the truth about their suffering and what they go through I wouldn't wish on anyone.

Regards. John