emphysema

[monamarie]

I was diagnosed with Emphysema a couple years ago and am wondering if this condition gets worse even though I have quit smoking 10 years ago? Also would like to know if stress can trigger an episode? Thank you, Mona

[meg321]

I was recently diagnosed but have had breathing issues long before now.   I quit smoking over 22 yrs ago and learned it can catch up with you later.

Its almost too strange, but its just another desease to learn about and learn to live with.  I know I have more questions but can't get them on here right now.

....and lynnkay, you seem to be very informed...so i will not lose you..

meg

[lynnkay]

Strange disease isn't it? That a person can quit smoking for years and still develop emphysema/COPD. Not smoking will greatly slow down the progression of COPD. I was diagnosed in the moderate stage under 3 yrs. ago. I asked my doctor if I stopped smoking, would I live to be an old woman. He told me yes I would.

Our lungs decline slowly as we age without smoking or COPD. I do not know what stage you are in of COPD, but if you try to be as healthy as possible, with good diet,  exercise etc., then you should live many more years. I don't mean to preach, but putting down the cigarettes saved your life.

And I have to agree that stress can trigger an episode. I have an anxiety disorder and under a lot of stress as well. When we are anxious or stressed, our bodies really get to pumping. Heart rate increases, shortness of breath happens, sometimes tightness in the chest. I have had it happen to me due to stress. So yes, I do agree.

Hope my answers helped you some. Take care