Question 1

can chemo make someone with copd worse?

Accepted Answer

No: Chemo will not make COPD worse. But some chemo drugs can cause fibrosis of the lungs and will make breathing difficult and even place you on a breathing machine.

Question 2

what is the life expectancy of someone who has been diagnosed with copd?

Accepted Answer

BODE index: A combination of multiple factors predict survival in patients with copd. One such grading system is called bode index. This takes into account body mass index, severity of breathlessness, distance walked in 6 minutes, and lung function. The last two require testing in pulmonary function lab.  Bode index can predict 4 yr survival and risk of hospitalization.

Question 3

how long does someone with copd usually live?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Depends on the severity of COPD and even then, each individual is different...So difficult to predict.

Question 4

if copd is caught early, could someone live a totally normal life?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The key is stopping smoking as early as possible, even before COPD develops.

Question 5

what area in the us is the best environment for someone with copd?

Accepted Answer

COPD and climate: I am not aware there is any one answer to the best climate for people with copd.  Altitude decreases oxygen concentration and can cause shortness of breath in patients without lung disease.   Air pollution has also been correlated with adverse health outcomes.  Air pollution data can be found on the epa website. Different allergens are also found in different environments and can affect breathing.

Question 6

could someone explain a person's copd deteriorating during the night and then improving in the morning?

Accepted Answer

Cortisol levels?: There is a regular daily variation in cortisol levels produced by the body with a usual peak in the early morning hours. Cortisol help suppress inflammation causing improvement in symptoms. 
Having said that, it is often the case that shortly after awakening people with COPD experience quite a bit of cough and phlegm production.

Question 7

what does someones peak flow meter be if they have copd?

Accepted Answer

Really depends...: Peak flow is notoriously inaccurate because it is highly dependent on patient effort. 

That said, usually, peak flow for patients with COPD and/or asthma is lower than normal.

Question 8

how long does someone who has the last stage of copd and 90% fluid in their lungs have to survive?

Accepted Answer

Not much: If you really have end stage COPD and you have 90 % fluid in lungs and not treated for it you won't live longer. Technically if you are end stage COPD and any fluid in you lung, you already will be on a breathing machine or life support.

Question 9

what can be helpful for someone with copd, taking a lot of medication and and needs oxygen at night.?

Accepted Answer

Copd: It looks like you may have terminal copd, you do require lot of support and help. You may have to work with your pulmonologist, home health or even hospice services and respiratory therapist. They should be able to assess what type of help you need.

Question 10

can copd be reversed?

Accepted Answer

COPD treatments: While the underlying damage caused by cigarettes cannot be reversed, COPD symptoms can be greatly improved with current treatments.

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Kissing someone with COPD

A member asked:

Can chemo make someone with copd worse?

A member asked:

What is the life expectancy of someone who has been diagnosed with copd?

A member asked:

How long does someone with copd usually live?

A member asked:

If copd is caught early, could someone live a totally normal life?

A member asked:

What area in the us is the best environment for someone with copd?

A member asked:

Could someone explain a person's copd deteriorating during the night and then improving in the morning?

A member asked:

What does someones peak flow meter be if they have copd?

A member asked:

How long does someone who has the last stage of copd and 90% fluid in their lungs have to survive?

A member asked:

What can be helpful for someone with copd, taking a lot of medication and and needs oxygen at night.?

A member asked:

Can copd be reversed?

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