most long term msokers do have at least chronic bronchitis, which is different than acute bronchitis. Has the docs already given you Rx inhalers? how long ago and why? what did they say when they started you on those?
also many autoimmune disorders and chronic health issues can reduce your activity level which can then interfere with your lung capacity, due to reduced activity level. Even if you do not smoke. worse if you do.
if you carry extra weight, this will also affect lung capacity. Lungs cannot always properly oxygenate our larger body mass. and extra weight can make activity be reduced, which then will cause us to not expand out lungs good enough for good lung function.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a catch all term for so many lung difficulties...asthma leads into Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). bronchitis can lead into Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma can go into bronchitis, bronchitis can go into emphysema. they are all under the main heading of copds.
I gave up hard drugs 25 yrs ago. Includeing barbituates. Cold turkey (dangerous, not recommended) I gave up drinking 20 yrs ago. I gave up caffeine 19 yrs ago. I have smoked 3 packs per day for over 20 years, have smoked over 35 yrs.
My mother died of lung cancer. so did my mother in law. I nursed both on their death beds. My best friend had cancer mets to her lungs and died. several other friends died of lung cancer. My husband has emphysema, and yes, still smokes. I worked Hospice and had countless patients I cared for till their deaths, and attended their last breaths......
I still smoke.
I grew up in an entire extended family where EVERYONE smoked. my pediatrician smoked....even when he was DOING exams.
I have NO luck quitting. sad truth is I have little desire to quit, in spite of tending the deathbeds of so many loved ones.
That said? I have no cough, none, never have. I do not get flu or colds, have never had pneumonia ever. in spite of working in health care field, in spite of being on immunosuppressing medications, lots of them. My kids also do not get colds, flu pneumonia or ear infections, never did, not ever. easy child does not smoke, but SHE is THE ONE of my kids who had a hard spell with mono last year and pneumonia.....
I do not have smokers cough, I have never had a breathing treatment or used a nebulizer, or any inhaler. altho I do get short of breath if I try to run.....I blame my smoking most, but also my weight....and my lack of being physically fit.
If you already have inhalers, thats a sign something is not good, already. and then, if you have an infection that requires an AB, then you must currently have an acute problem, and that will very likely be affecting your lungs right now.
Once you take your course of AB, you SHOULD regain some function.......but- how much? well, depends on how much you had before this current infection, it depends on the reason you already have an inhaler.
Yes, my mom smoked till she drew her last breathe. so did mother in law. Best friend quit but it was already too late. husband still smokes like a chimney. whatcyha gonna do? quit if you can.....last time husband tried to quit cigs, he landed in ICU. go figure.
but there are LOTS of reasons why your lung capacity might be so low. but until they clear up the infetion, they prolly will not be able to get an accurate picture of the whole problem at hand.
