Posted 25 January 2014 - 08:44 PM

COPD is a horrible disease. Originally, I wanted to vent about it. Then, I thought it more constructive if I could help inform a new quitter understand what it really is.

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive form of lung disease ranging from mild to severe. It is characterized by a restriction of airflow into and out of the lungs that makes breathing difficult. COPD is the umbrella term for sufferers who have been diagnosed with or show signs of emphysema and/or chronic bronchitis.

It is on my mind multiple times a day, most days. Today is an exception. The cold air is bothering me, my lungs hurt today, breathing is uncomfortable and I can't get away from it. I will never get away from it, not ever. I am a third generation COPD patient. Most of the time, I go without exacerbation's or flare ups. Both my mother and grandmother have it. My grandmother suffers the most, then there is me and my mom, she suffers the least. I do intense cardio 5 days a week without a problem usually. Days like today are harsh reminders, that it was I that tortured my own lungs. If you haven't quit, please do. No cure exists, but if you quit and treat the disease early, you can live a (mostly) normal life.

Edited to add: COPD is no longer for the elderly crowd. You are not too young to have it. I was diagnosed in late 2012, at 37 and judging by my symptoms had it for 4 or 5 years at least. I feel lucky that I caught it early in stage one. I have a couple of inhalers, Dulera and Pro Air. Recently I saw a pulmonologist and he increased the Dulera dosage to 200 mcg. It really works to prevent the burning in my chest and throat during cardio. I use a nebulizer before cardio and for any problems breathing. I consider myself lucky that I can exercise the way I do.