My friend with COPD is tired and out of breath all the time, is she in her last days?
A friend of mine is 56 years old. Was diagnosed with COPD approx. 31/2 years ago. She still smokes and drags an oxygen bottle around with her. She's tired and out of breath all the time and can't even hardly go out. Is she in her last days?
Expert Answer
There is probably still much that can be done for your friend. Even though she appears to have advanced COPD, this does not necessarily mean she is in her last days. Although commercials put a lot of emphasis on medications and inhalers, the best methods to improve and prolong life are much simpler: oxygen (which your friend is on) and stopping smoking (which your friend has not been able to do). It is never too late to quit smoking. Also, even if she has tried and failed before, this does not mean she will never be able to quit. Of course, appropriate inhalers should help her breathe much better as well.
One concern I have is that she appears to be limiting how often she goes out because of her shortness of breath. This limitation will contribute to her getting more out of shape and feeling even more short of breath. Once way to stop this downhill slope is pulmonary rehabilitation. If she has not investigated this option, she should probably look into it. Many rehabilitation programs combine exercise with education and even smoking cessation programs.