Patient Comments: Emphysema - Symptoms
What were the symptoms of your emphysema?
Comment from: Pan, 35-44 Female (Patient)
Published: March 20
I am 43 years of age and have been through a very traumatic few years. I was suffering shortness of breath particularly at night. I asked the doctor for a chest x-ray thinking it could be anxiety. I was diagnosed with emphysema only three days ago. I have two daughters and recently separated from my husband. I need to give up smoking. Time to meet the challenge. I hope I can. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: CryBabyLana, 55-64 Female (Patient)
Published: April 28
I have been dealing with this STUFF since 1977, when I had my first spontaneous pnemothorax - collapsed lung- since then I have had 3 lung surgeries and lost count after the 15th chest tube-I use all my calories to be able to breathe. I was labeled with Bullomous Emphysema, COPD with Chronic Bronchitis and Pneumonia, they also threw in something about fatigue and depression. I am no better now than I was at 21. The doctors can't tell me what caused me to get this STUFF, except that I am slender, small frame and had bronchitis, colds, pneumonia, the usual kid stuff-growing up. I need a good Doctor in the Arlington, TX area. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: minimary, 65-74 Female (Patient)
Published: May 01
I was just told yesterday I have emphysema. I was a light smoker and quit 28 years ago. Guess it doesn't matter – I still smoked one too many. I have known for a couple of years something was wrong, but finally addressed it with my doctor about a month ago. Now that I am aware of my problem, I can only follow my doctor's advice and take care of myself the very best I can. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: celt5678, 55-64 Male (Patient)
Published: October 17
I am 57 and was just diagnosed with emphysema. I felt like I was short of breath in February and got a horrible cough. Doctors took X-rays and gave me multiple regimens of anti-biotics. Nothing helped. I had smoked for 44 years. I stopped smoking in my car and went from a pack a day to four cigarettes a day. At the end of July I stopped. Now I get the diagnosis, and was finally was sent to a lung specialist. He saw it right away in my x-ray. Well now it starts Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: Sandy, 45-54 Female (Patient)
Published: July 06
I am 46 and was recently diagnosed with COPD and Emphysema. I smoked for 32 years and quit immediatly upon my diagnosis with the help of Chantix. I still struggle at times with not smoking but it is no longer an option. I often hear how young I am to have this diagnosis. I feel foolish as I am a nurse of 23 years and knew better. I try to maintain a serious exercise regimen however I am finding the SOB limiting. I worry about the quality of life I will ultimately have eventually burdening my children with my care. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: croozter, 45-54 Male (Patient)
Published: April 13
how does humidity react to emphysema? Was this comment helpful?Yes
Patient CommentsViewers share their comments
Emphysema - Causes and Risks
Question: If known, what was the cause of your emphysema?
Emphysema - Diagnosis
Question: What kinds of tests and exams did you have that led to a diagnosis of emphysema?
Emphysema - Treatment
Question: Please describe the treatments, therapies, and medications you've received for emphysema.
Emphysema - Smoking
Question: Are/were you a smoker prior to your emphysema diagnosis? If you've stopped, what worked for you?
Emphysema - Rehabilitation
Question: Please share suggestions and tips for exercising and rehabilitating to control your emphysema.
Emphysema - Describe Your Experience
Question: Please describe your experience with emphysema.
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I am 69 years old, and was hospitalized this past January because of severe shortness of breath. I was diagnosed with an Exacerbation of COPD. Surprise, surprise. It took 6 days of nebulizer treatments, and lots of meds and inhalers, oxygen, etc. for me to be able to catch my breath. I quit smoking the day I went to the hospital, and have not picked up a cigarette since. I had a close call, and decided that there wasn't a cigarette in the world that was worth more than my life to me. Now I am left with lung damage which is permanent, and have a hard time breathing especially at night. My future doesn't look very bright anymore. Please, if you smoke, do anything you can to quit before it's too late. And if you don't smoke, please don't ever start. I wish I had listened when they told me to stop. It's too late for me, but may not be for you.