COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
I've seen it mentioned here several times, and I'm not sure I understand what it is.
My husband is going through a really bad spell that started on Monday. His cough, which is usually really bad, is now frightening. He can barely talk without starting to cough. The cough is so bad I sometimes think he's going to pass out. He gets all red in the face and can barely get his breath. He says he has a cold, but he doesn't really have any cold symptoms. He says he's stuffed up, but he's always stuffed up.
Is this an exacerbation? How long do they last? Can I do anything to help him? I feel terrible. I hate to see him suffering like this.
I appreciate any advice anyone has to offer.
My husband is going through a really bad spell that started on Monday. His cough, which is usually really bad, is now frightening. He can barely talk without starting to cough. The cough is so bad I sometimes think he's going to pass out. He gets all red in the face and can barely get his breath. He says he has a cold, but he doesn't really have any cold symptoms. He says he's stuffed up, but he's always stuffed up.
Is this an exacerbation? How long do they last? Can I do anything to help him? I feel terrible. I hate to see him suffering like this.
I appreciate any advice anyone has to offer.
The doctor put him on a high dose of Zithromax. He took it for 5 days. He's feeling much better. The doctor also told him he is supposed to be taking his Advair twice daily, which he apparently hadn't been doing.
The guy is still very stubborn, but at least he feels better -- for now.
Pat