My mom has COPD but she quit smoking 7 years ago. Why is it still getting worse?!? -
My mom has had COPD for many years but ignored it till she got heart trouble 8 years ago. Now her heart is doing better with treatment, but she is shorter and shorter of breath. If she stopped smoking (for 7 years), why are her lungs getting worse?
Stopping smoking can decrease the rate of progression of COPD but cannot halt or reverse it as COPD is a progressive disease. It-s like a chain reaction that can-t be stopped. Although giving up smoking at any stage in the process means an increase in lifespan.
Because the damage caused by the smoking is already done. As she ages, her lungs and general health will continue to get worse, highly due to the smoking in her past.
A family friend developed lung cancer 20 years after he had quit smoking; why? Simply because the damage was already done.
Had surgery for unrelated problem, was told had emphysema. Dr said early stage if quit smoking reversible to point.If not will be on oxygen in 5 yrs dead in 10. Guess it depends on the stage.Im 47
COPD doesn-t get better over time. It usually gets worse. She has already done too much damage in the past. Most people that have COPD will eventually require supplemental oxygen.
just because she stoped smoking doesnt mean that she is going to be cured because the damage is already done
she has damaged her lungs beyond repair. have her follow up with her pulmonologist.