my mum has emphysema and has just given up smoking?

Question

after 40 years I know that is bad I want someone to give me some info on this please nothing horible please I love my mum and I am so proud of her

Answer 1

For her to quit smoking is the best thing she could do for herself, even at this point. Her body will begin to heal itself as long as she continues not to smoke. The healing actually begins right away. In 20 minutes after her last cigarette, her blood vessels and capillaries begin to return to their normal size, and her heart rate should respond accordingly. Lung tissue is not easily repaired, but without constantly inhaling toxins, it should begin to do so, if even on a small scale.

You might not believe it, but many people continue to smoke, even after a diagnoses like this one. Some smoke with their oxygen on, and I have treated burn patients for that very reason. I couldn't believe it, except to realize that smoking is so very addictive and controlling, that people will knowingly risk their lives to continue their habit. I know my Dad isn't happy with my stand on smoking, he works for Phillip Morris and has smoked since he was literally a child. However, it is one of the most damaging things we can do to our bodies.

God bless you and your mom in dealing with this process. I will say a prayer for you. In the meanwhile, continue to be supportive of your mother. You might even go to a doctors appointment with her, and ask all the questions that you want to know answers to. Health professionals tend to be very supportive of family involvement with these types of illnesses.

Answer 2

Congatulate your mum for taking the most important step to recovery from emphysema. After 40 years of smoking her lung function must have been adversely affected and she may be advised to use a chemical inhaler to help her breathing. These drugs are only temporay reliefs and may become addictive and also have other side-effects. Instead she should also try to restore her breathing capabilty by building up her body's immune system with rich natural nutrients from herbs and homeopathic supplements. These natural supplements do not contain chemicals, are non-addictive and are safe. There are several natural supplements in the market such as Asmago, Respitrol, Biovent, etc.

Answer 3

Hi Katie:
In providing you with information about Emphysema will certainly not put your mind at ease.
The good thing here is that your mother has stopped smoking, but she should have either not started or given it up a long time before the damage was done.

Effectively the lung is now like a sea sponge all open weave and very Little working area to keep her tissues oxygenated.

Normal lungs are solid and have a myriad of arteries that carry oxygenated blood to the heart for distribution all around the body.
So deoxygenated blood enters and oxygenated blood leaves.

In emphysema the cells that exchange this gas become enlarged ad swollen with mucus to the point they don';t function and eventually burst never to repair. This damage continues until very little of the ling is left active. The signs are smokers cough, lots of sputum, sometimes blood, and on xray a lung that appears like a sea sponge. with very few areas able to function .

Lips are blue, they get short of breath and their fingers and toes have poor circulation and appear bluish in color. Prognosis is poor.
Many have to carry oxygen cylinders around with them and learn different breathing techniques to maintain a level of Co2 that causes them to have the breathing response.

I am sorry to be the bearer of news such as this, but perhaps you can appreciate the risks of smoking from this and warn all your Friends of the consequences of looking "cool" with a cigarette stuck on their hand Their future does not look bright.

Answer 4

My mum did exactly the same thing, She quit at 45 (now 75)after being a heavy smoker for thirty years. She still has health issues as a result, but she probably would not be here today if she had not stopped. You are right to be very proud of her it is a hell of an achievement and must have taken a great deal of effort. Just be there for her, support her and let her know how much you appreciate the fact she is doing something so positive for her health.
Best wishes and tell her "good one" from me.

Answer 5

Kate don't listen to Brian he's a numb nut! Kimberly saying a lot of truth! Although Emphysema can be caused by many things, smoking certainly does not help! the most important thing is that she has given up smoking. Please help to keep her hands as well as brain busy! I've known a lot of ex smokers take up knitting ( I'm positive this will help her craving's ) as well as keep her from piling on the pounds!.x.

Answer 6

I gave up a 5 pack a day habit after 55 years

Other than I need pill, inhalers and oxygen I am still alive

Answer 7

Talk about shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted. They have her cash she has there emphysema. I am a numb nut for telling the truth Chris you are an idiot.

Answer 8

Congratulations to your mother, she is a strong woman to do that. to help her stay off them if she has an urge to light up breathe in slowly through the nose taking in as much air as she can exhale slowly through the mouth getting rid of all that air. Plus it will help to strenthen her lungs, also keeping her hands busy, puzzles, knitting, chrocheting and that sort of thing. quitting will not cure it but it will certainly help. Good luck and God bless.

Answer 9

yay for your mum!!!!! my dad has the same and has just stopped smoking too. woooo