Chronic bronchitis (COPD)

sweetbean · July 2012

OK, one of my favorite relatives might have chronic bronchitis. She has never smoked and exercises regularly. I'm really worried. Of course, if she has it, she'll probably do whatever they recommend. Problem is, there isn't much that they can recommend. Are there any dietary/lifestyle/supplements strategies that she could do?

purple32 · July 2012

sweetbean

You need to ask if this is COPD. ( Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Your relative must have a pulmonary function tests aka PFT in order to be properly DX. It would be highly unusual to develop in a non smoker.

IF your relative has had the proper tests (?) and is DX, the best tx is SPRIVA inhaler @ once per day. The only food to avoid is dairy . (THINK baby congested give apple juice, not milky formula)
Used to use an RX now avail. as mucinex OTC if things flare occassionally.

Xopenex inhaler PRN is better than the standard albuterol they give *everyone*. The xopenex , pronounced Zopenex and aka levalbuterol will not charge the heart with added adrenaline. Many drs. dont even know about it ! ( But a pulmo doc should or else she migh want to go to a different one !) Any rescue inhaler should ONLY be used on a limited as needed basis.

There is nothing better for COPD than walking! They often do what is called a 6 minute walk test for those who go to pulmonary rehab . If oxygen saturatiion rates lower in the course of 6 mins its not good. The goal of rehab is essentially to condition oneself.

Staying away from excessive humidity, staying inside on poor air quality days and use clean AC , hepa filter vaccuums etc .. are all essential with true chronic bronchitis aka as copd.

If your cousin was put on ADVAIR and not sprivia , I would say she <only> has asthma! Also, they love to pop people onto steroidal inhalers . Watch out for that as they CAN cause bone thinning.

I am really questioning this DX in a non smoker. Would love to know if it was by a pulmonologist with complete PFT.

Please PM me if you want more info. I know a heck of a lot more about copd than I do about cancer, and I'm beginning to feel like an expert on that! :>(

sweetbean · July 2012

Hi Purple!

Thanks so much - she hasn't gotten a definitive diagnosis yet. Just a "might have copd," probably due to the pulmonary hyperaeration that they found. But she has had a deep, lingering cough for a long time with no cold, so I am worried. Her appt is late August - I already told her to give up dairy. I really hope she does it.

Thanks for all of the info - I really appreciate it!

purple32 · July 2012

YW, sweetbean.

Best of luck to her. I am praying she really doesnt have it, and I believe it would be very, very unlikely.

If it were me in that situation I would treat the mucous with mucinex and the inflammation with whatever the ' anti inflammatory of choice ' is, drink tons of water and some juice and take it from there .

Pls keep me updated and PM anytime you like.

Good Luck !

MiracleMileM · July 2012

I have COPD with lung function down to 50% of what it should be. I did smoke for about 5 years but stopped 45 years ago. I have had too many pneumonias, lived in smog all my life and had too low of vitamin D which I think contributed to the COPD (and I think to my stage IV BC). I'm taking Spiriva, hiking and walking at least 5 hours a week and usually more, and am losing weight. I figure that I'm better off if there's less of me to oxygenate. To improve my lung function I'm also taking quercetin with bromelain, mullein, NAC, vitamin C with bioflavenoids, curcumin, vitamin D. And salmon oil, lots of greens and citrus, etc. Sweetbean, I wish you relative well. The COPD for me has not impaired what I can do, it just slows me down some.

purple32 · July 2012

MiracleMile

Do you find that any of the supplements have helped with your breathing? I too am on spiriva.

I remember before my osteopenia got severe, and I could exerrcise much more, that was my best bet - went to pulmo rehab too, but I never took supplements for the copd. When you say curcumin, do you take the pill form of turmeric or >>>?

Pls feel free to PM me of you like. I appreciate any info.

THX

gibberswife · January 2013

Hi Miracle Mile M,

I, too, have COPD, am turning 72 this month and l was diagnoised last mid-August. I live in Colorado and the termperature s are running low 20's so am afraid to get out there to walk now due to breathing. I have been a hiker all my life..even 2 yrs ago did a 100 miler in Scotland. It's so great to find someone like me that won't give up on hiking. Probably won't get to the 100 mile ones again but even 5 to 10 mile round trip would do! Any suggestions on starting reconditioning? I have just finished a COPD Rehab class and am starting a Yoga class on the 10th. I think I have a 50% line like you. I will not give up! It sure would be great if you could give me some suggestions...how far do you hike now? I have been able to get an Inogen One Portable Condenser which should help a lot because I am a small woman and the other portable I had from Lin Care was SO heavy!

purple32 · January 2013

Hi gibbers

I know you went talking to me, and I am not on O2, but you may want to look into a HELIOS

Good luck to you ...keep on truckin' !

Chronic bronchitis (COPD)

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