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AFTER STOPPING SMOKING

Posted , 2 users are following.

Paul-ex-smoker
Paul-ex-smoker

Some websites say that copd progression is halted when you stop smoking, others say it slows the progression. The NHS say [b:f6200be493]\"\"If you smoke, by far the best way to prevent COPD from getting worse is to stop smoking and prevent any further damage to the lungs\"\"[/b:f6200be493]

Then they say it's progressive, on a different page.

Does anyone know if it can really be halted, or not.

Also how long does it take for stopping smoking to have health benefits.

I was diagnosed in March and stopped smoking. So will my lungs still be getting damaged faster, or will the rate of decline now be back to that of a non smoker. I hope that now I am not smoking, that no more damage will be occuring.

Thankyou

Paul

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Its progressive in the sense that everyone loses lung function with age and so our symptoms will get worse as we lose more function. Also infections etc can cause further lung damage. So we need to not smoke and get infections treated quickly.

    It does not take long for benefits to happen once smoking is stopped. My fev1 rose by 3 points after 8 months of not smoking ... in some people it goes up slightly in others it stays the same but in the large majority of cases the damage is slowed and function is lost at or near normal rates within a fairly short time.

  • Paul-ex-smoker
    Paul-ex-smoker

    Posted

    thankyou

    do you mind me asking what degree of copd is it that you have.

    and how well are you coping

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    I was diagnosed about 18 months ago when I was 50 with a fev1 of 58%. I stopped smoking using champix and 8 months later I had another spirometry which showed 61%. Thats the last one I had. I get winded walking up steepish hills and steps but its not bad. I exercise with a treadmill and rowing machine but not regularly, which is something I need to address. I have put on a stone and a half since stopping smoking and need to lose some of that.

    My doctor told me that if I continued to smoke I would be on oxygen going into my 60s ... so I stopped.

    I have some trouble with a feeling that I cant get a good breath even when just sitting, but again its not bad.

    My doctor did not think I needed an inhaler but the copd nurse has since given me a blue ventolin one which I find helpfull especially when its warm and humid.

    I still work ok as a painter and decorator ( I puff a bit going up ladders on scaffolds sometimes lol)

    I, like you, and like everyone have found this diagnosis very difficult. But as time passes it gets easier as we learn more and realise we have many more years ahead.

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