Mum has COPD :(

[anonymous98]

After much investigation at the respiratory clinic, Mum found out this week that she has stage one COPD. It's not a huge surprise, as she has been coughing/short of breath more frequently, but I think we were hoping it was just an asthma flare up.

She's 66 and not in great health generally (had Guillain-Barre a few years ago and never really recovered). To be honest, I'm a bit scared - COPD is progressive and it's not curable, although hopefully we've caught it early. Mum had various chain-smoking relatives who had advanced emphysema in the '80s and couldn't do anything without gasping, which is horrible to think about. On a positive note, Mum hasn't smoked since the late '90s.

Can anyone tell me what to expect? Anything that helps mitigate it, besides the obvious "don't smoke" or "do exercise" or "don't get pneumonia/covid". Much appreciated :)

My grandad was diagnosed with COPD years ago, same as you it was no surprise. He is quite a bit older (95) but otherwise in good health.

He limits strenuous activity and takes regular breaks if he is out walking, or doing something more strenuous. Having said that, it is recommended to keep active to expand and help keep up lung capacity.
A routine where you can implement a walk etc really helps.
Very cautious about preventing illnesses such as cold and flu etc.
He does have an inhaler which helps somewhat.
It's not as scary as it sounds. Of course it is progressive as you know, but as long as your mum takes the necessary precautions, all should be fine

My stepdad has COPD has done for around ten years. He has asthma too.

He also had pneumonia and sepsis five years ago.

His lungs are pretty fucked.

However day to day he is ok, he does get breathless but can generally get it under control. However cold damp weather is awful for him and can really make it bad. He has now been issued with an emergency pack by the gp that has antibiotics / steroids and some other stuff in it at the first sign of any cold / flu so he can get treatment straightaway.

In the warmer months he is generally ok, he has an allotment and is still able to work that, just a bit slower.