COPD and Young People
What are some unique challenges young people face when diagnosed with COPD, and how can they best manage their condition at a younger age?
Support and understanding, are so important for all COPDers, moreso for our younger members. I believe that age will be a challenge because COPD is usually an “older persons disease”. So many have commented on that already. Those that I have talked with, over the past 10+ years, have commented that doctors don’t understand and aren’t very supportive. This younger generation of COPD needs acceptance and understanding. They need to know where to turn.
Those that I have talked to, with the early diagnosis, have mainly been males. I wish that I would have kept track.
Upon diagnosis, hopefully this person will have found an understanding and supportive doctor. It’s so important that this younger COPDer has a support system, because we all need someone to talk with, that can understand and listen. Someone that we can trust. COPD can be a lonely disease. A support system can be a Better Breathers Club or other face to face group, a therapist, a friend or even a site like this. We are here for the person with COPD and/or family and friends. They must be 18.
We have so much information here, and a lot of heart. No one is ever alone.Stay alive kill the smoke and enjoy each day without the feeling it is your last
I was diagnosed at 46yr .I should have stopped smoking.
you're not alone in struggling to quit smoking. It is such a hard thing to do! Here are a few articles we have that you might find helpful on quitting smoking: https://copd.net/living/quitting-smoking and https://copd.net/living/quitting-tips Best, Sam S. (COPD team). 
How long ago were you diagnosed? 46 is young, no doubt about that. As Lori said, hindsight is 20/20, so don't beat yourself up too bad. I'm also interested in what you've done to cope and what type of treatment plan you're on. I'm sure many in the community would like to hear it.
Best,
Lyn (site moderator)
