My breathing

Completely understand. I have COPD and it is getting worse. I can tell. My friends dont understand why I cant walk up a big hill or why I don't want to go hiking, things like that. My problem is that I still smoke and I know that it is making my problem worse. I had been off of them for 5 weeks and then my husband ended up in the hospital and was diagnosed with late stage iv lung cancer. He also has advanced copd. He has also been in the hospital once since that time in September this year. You would think I would learn to stop this crazy smoking, but I became so stressed that once the ambulance left, I grabbed a cigarette. My husband also still smokes even after all this. He goes into respiratory stress because his lungs are not strong enough to push out the co2. He is at home for the time being but I don't think it will be long. And what am I doing? smoking away like there is no tomorrow. But yes, I do understand how you feel. But I am 69 and I look it. More wrinkles in my face that I should have at this time in my life. shortness of breath and using my inhaler more often. Hang in there.

I smoke to and I know its getting worse and like you denise96 smoking like there is no tomorrow.Can't do a lot of housework .My husband and son doesn't understand either .Good luck

Do you have a pulmonoligist? I dont have one now but I intend to make an appt with the one my husband sees. I like his personality and he is very knowledgable. Good grief,I can't even spell anymore. lol

It’s lovely to hear about you as I keep it to my self and I get fear as I only have a daughter as my husband died 18 months ago .my daughter is a sick girl. I get so cross with myself as I’ve always done such a lot but now I struggle ,I cannot walk up hills and get tired quickly but friends don’t understand because I look younger then I am ,in 79 and have never smoked but the think it’s been caused my me being a baker confectioner , I used to open big sacks of flour and icing sugar and I would go home covered in it as well as breathing it , I never ever thought it would cause this , life is so complicated you do your best to work hard and try and keep young and then you get these horrible illnesses , Thankyou for your texting it really helps being on here , can some one tell me what a pulmonologist. Does as I’ve not Hurd of one ,

A pulmonologist checks your lungs for problems and can help you get more oxygen to your blood . There are portable oxygen machines and drugs/inhalers that can help you. The earlier you see him and receive treatment the better you can do . Blessed Be, Crystal

People have difficulty believing you are ill if they can't see a plaster cast.
You know what gets me angry, when they tell you to stop smoking, give you a pack of gum and some patches, then can't understand why that hasn't worked to stop a 50 year + habit.
Best thing to do, apart from taking your medication, is to take supplements to reduce the lung inflammation. They say Nicotinamide Riboside is good for reducing inflammation in COPD. If the inflammation goes down, you may be able to do a bit more.

I looked it up so you can read about what that specialty is. The Cleveland Clinic is much like the Mayo Clinic so I defer to them often.
All my best to you Jennie.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22210-pulmonologist

Check out Schisandra, its available on Amazon for 7.99

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is a traditional medicinal herb commonly used in Chinese, Russian, and Korean herbal medicine. .
Schisandra has adaptogenic properties, meaning it helps the body resist physical, chemical, or biological stress

How Schisandra May Help with Lung Congestion:
Anti-Inflammatory Properties:

Schisandra contains lignans (e.g., schizandrin and gomisin), which have anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds may help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, easing symptoms of lung congestion

Expectorant Effect:
Schisandra has traditionally been used as an expectorant, helping to loosen and expel mucus from the lungs. This action may help clear congestion and improve breathing.

Antioxidant Support:
The herb is rich in antioxidants, which can protect lung tissues from oxidative stress caused by pollutants, smoking, or infections that can worsen congestion.

Adaptogenic Support:
By strengthening the body’s stress response and boosting energy levels, Schisandra may support overall lung function, especially in chronic conditions.

Bronchodilatory Action:
Some studies suggest that Schisandra may relax the smooth muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe and reducing symptoms of lung congestion.

Immune Modulation:
Schisandra is believed to support immune function, which can be beneficial in fighting off infections that contribute to lung congestion.

Considerations:
Mild to Moderate Congestion: It may help with mild to moderate lung congestion, particularly when used as part of a holistic approach to respiratory health.

Underlying Cause: For congestion caused by infections, allergies, or chronic conditions, Schisandra might provide supportive care but should not replace conventional treatments.

How to Use Schisandra:
Tea or Decoction: Dried Schisandra berries can be brewed into a tea, which is a common traditional preparation for respiratory support.
Capsules or Extracts: Standardized supplements or tinctures may offer a more concentrated dose.
Combination Formulas: Schisandra is often included in herbal formulas for lung health alongside other herbs like licorice root, astragalus, or elecampane.

Safety and Precautions:
Side Effects: Schisandra is generally safe for most people when used in recommended amounts. However, some may experience mild gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions.

Contraindications: Avoid use if pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medications for liver conditions or sedatives without consulting a healthcare provider.
Drug Interactions: Schisandra may interact with medications, including those processed by the liver (via the cytochrome P450 pathway).

Here's a video on it. Start at about 11 min 25 secs.
https://vashiva.com/schisandra-and-lung-congestion-cytosolve-molecular-systems-analysis/

Here are some scientific studies on Schisandra
Several scientific studies have investigated the effects of Schisandra chinensis on respiratory health, particularly concerning lung congestion and related conditions. Here is a summary of their findings:

Anti-Inflammatory Effects:

A study evaluated the ability of a water extract of Schisandra chinensis to prevent airway inflammation both in vitro and in vivo. The findings suggest that Schisandra exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which may be beneficial in treating upper respiratory tract infections.
PUBMED https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22543173/

Protection Against Oxidative Stress:

Research on Schisandrin A, a compound isolated from Schisandra, demonstrated its protective effects against lung oxidative stress induced by cigarette smoke extract and lipopolysaccharide in an in vitro model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study found that Schisandrin A inhibited oxidative stress and may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for COPD.
PUBMED CENTRAL https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7139085/

Antitussive (Cough Suppression) Activity:

An ethanol extract of Schisandra chinensis showed significant antitussive activity in guinea pigs exposed to cigarette smoke, indicating its potential in suppressing cough.
LIEBERT PUBLISHING https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jmf.2020.4824

Relaxation of Airway Smooth Muscles:

Studies have indicated that lignans from Schisandra chinensis can relax isolated airway smooth muscles, supporting its traditional use in relieving cough and asthma symptoms.
LIEBERT PUBLISHING https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jmf.2021.K.0037

Inhibition of Pulmonary Fibrosis:

Research suggests that aqueous extracts of Schisandra have preventive and therapeutic effects on pulmonary fibrosis in rats, indicating potential benefits in treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
PUBMED CENTRAL https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7455820/

Antiviral Activity:

Polysaccharides extracted from Schisandra chinensis have demonstrated antiviral activity against influenza A virus in both in vitro and in vivo studies, suggesting a role in preventing viral infections that can lead to lung congestion.
FEBS JOURNAL https://febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/2211-5463.13690

These studies provide insights into the potential mechanisms by which Schisandra chinensis may alleviate lung congestion and support respiratory health.

My 89 year old husband has Multiple Myeloma with no pain and usual side effects. He had Covid in 2022 and now believes he has Long Covid. He had become very weak and breathless. His breathlessness, even with oxygen, makes him restless and he can’t sleep
through the night. Any helpful suggestions