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...

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how long can an exacerbation last

jmer1109
jmer1109
Is it possible for an exacerbation to last for more than a year, probably two. I'm newly diagnosed with COPD and pulmonary hypertention although I've known that I've had it for years. I was self treating with albuterol inhalers that I got over the internet. I recently got diagnosed and have been taking spiriva and advair and I can't believe the difference. Hence my question. Could I have been going through an extended exacerbation and not know it?
SoftFlower
SoftFlower
Hello imer1109, It sounds to me like you were just not getting proper meds until the diagnosis and now your getting the right meds to treat the problem. Glad your feeling better, keep up with your meds and doctor visits. Hugs for feeling better, Love Holly
deleted_user
deleted_user
I would say your lungs and airways were constantly inflamed, and the albuterol was providing only short term relief. Spriva and Advair reduce this inflammation on a long term basis, which opens up your airways and makes breathing easier. Bet you don't have to use the albuterol as often. :o) I'm sure you're aware COPD is a disease that doesn't go away, but we can treat our symptoms, eat healthy, exercise and stay in a positive frame of mind - all of which will lessen its impact.

BTW, you mentioned getting your inhalers over the internet. There was a recent post about buying generic Sprivia this way, in that basically it's not the real deal. Don't know if this is how you are getting it, but thought to give you a head's up.

Welcome and best to you!

Joni
deleted_user
deleted_user
here's my take on this. i had a really hard time for a couple of years before i was ever dragged into the doctors to be diagnosed. i had learned to adjust to not being able to breathe for sooo long...it was second nature to do things "my" way.

when the doc finally checked me, he couldnt believe my sat numbers. he kept asking how i had gotten into his office. he finally realized, that i'd just forced myself to survive on less oxy than was necessary.

so, can we live when we're oxy deprived?...id say sort of.

glad you have your meds now. i do too! i'm doing alot better for it also, hope you are too.