I quit smoking 10 years ago, just diganosed with copd, will my lungs get worse?

Answer 1

my dad was diagnosed with it and the doctor simply told him to quit smoking(now)and he uses an inhailer and breathin machine every one in a while.but i dont think it gets worst.

Answer 2

My grandmother has smoked for over 50 yrs and found out 4 yrs ago she too has COPD. She and I researched(and went to a nutritional therapist) and found that although your lungs will not heal you can stop or slow down the progression of the disease. You need antioxidants. My grandmother takes 1000mg of vitamin C 3 times per day - uses the Emer'gen C packets - and also takes 400IU of vitamin E twice daily. She also drinks about 5-6 cups of green tea daily. She had her PET scan done last month and there is no further progression of her COPD. Make sure you talk with your doctor before starting supplements(and do some research). I know it seems like alot to take but the only side effect may be a bit of loose stool until you adjust to the vit C. Truly you cannot overdose on either of these vitamins so the more C you can get is better and with the E, it also thins the blood so if you ever need surgery or dental work make sure you tell them you take it. I personally take 2000mg of Emer'gen C each day and 400IU of E just for disease prevention but you've already aquired a disease so you'll need to be more agressive. BTW, my grandmother is STILL smoking......her doc said since she's late 70's it wouldn't make a whole lot of difference.

Good Luck and Take Care!


I'm adding - the person who said you'll die and everyone will be happy is an idiot, don't listen to people like that. Obviously he/she has nothing better to do than hurt others......no life equals too much time to play online.

Answer 3

Your lungs gradually get worse with age. Your rate of decline having quit 10 years ago is probably similar to that of a non smoker. The problem is the damage done prior to quitting can put you at a much lower starting point. Have you had a spirometry test? I would assume so with a copd dx. The FEV1 reading is the critical issue in obstructive diseases. There are several methods to rate severity but pretty much anything less that 50% of expected is serious stuff.

Answer 4

Unfortunatley COPD is not a very predicable disease. My father got thyroid cancer, smoked 4 packs a day, had his thyroid removed, quit smoking, then a year later got COPD. He is taking every measure to take the right meds, exercise..... He is now on O2. He can't seem to stop the disease from getting worse. On the other hand, I've heard of people who can get diagnosed with COPD and remain stable for many years! Problem is COPD is progressive, meaning it gets worse. When is the question........

Answer 5

COPD is a progressive disease with no cure at the present. You can slow the progression substantially by proper medication and exercise. Hopefully you are under the care of a pulmonologist.

A very good site to get you questions answered quickly is http://www.emphysema.net/

Good Luck!

Answer 6

COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may have been caused by your smoking. As long as you don't smoke now and aren't exposed to second hand smoke your lungs don't get worse....however, they don't get better either. Take care to stay away from second hand smoke and if you have other lung disease such as asthma, make sure to use your medication as directed to keep that from damaging your lungs further. My best to you....

Answer 7

Maybe not since you don't smoke any more. Then again maybe so. I'm not a licensed Physician. And, I doubt seriously a licensed Physician has time to answer questions on Y/A! Only a licensed Physician that knows what they are talking about can give you an honest answer. Especially YOUR Physician who diagnosed you and is in charge of your care.

Answer 8

If you do exercise and the proper meds you might see a slight improvement

Answer 9

Yes!

Answer 10

he quit it shouldnt get any worse, not better either.