I just joined
I was born 3 months early didn't even weigh 2 lbs I was born 1953 growing up in the 1950s and 1960s everyone smoked everywhere everyday so did my parents now and for years I have suffered with chronic bronchitis and I have COPD from second hand smoke I never smoked other things bother my breathing too like smoke dust etc I can hardly do anything anyway I have good oxygen levels just can't breathe like a rubber band is around my chest pulling it to tight also the weather doesn't help the humidity and the dew point doesn't help, my son helps me but he doesn't understand why in like I am,,, any suggestions thank you and bless us all
Welcome to our community and thank you for sharing your story. I understand the feeling of having a rubber band around your chest. The changes in the weather can be very difficult to deal with.
For those of us that were born before the 70s, cigarettes were an accepted way of life.
I’m glad you have a son to help you. Stay well and I look forward to hearing more from you.
Becky (moderator)Even though your son doesn't understand, sure am glad he is helpful. Stuffering through the temperature changes can be very difficult at times, especially if they switch fast. When I get that tight "rubber band" feeling, the first thing I do know is grab my ER inhaler or take a nebulizing albuterol treatment, I found this gives me some needed relief, does not matter rather your O2 is low or not. Another thing I have found extremely helpful is controlling my environment, at least inside my home. First I purchased a hygrometer (tells the humidity), can be purchased from about $10 to ??? at a hardware type store or online. This gave me the readings for the humidity level within my home. Once I figured out what my body lungs worked the best in I then was able to a humidifier and dehumidifier for my home, what a difference they has made! My lungs are happiest between 35 and 45%, anything below or above that is when the tightness starts up. At first we couldn't afford buying to cover the whole house, so we got one we could afford and switched it back and forth between the rooms I was in for the longest period of the day and then to the bedroom at night. As for outside, Mother Nature does Mother Nature and we can not change her.
Air movement has been helpful, over and above the furnace or A/C. Just a nice little personal fan or an oscillating floor fan, Ceiling fans if you have, keep them on all the time.
Please bring this up to your PCP and or Pulmonologist when you see them, they could have other tips or meds that could be helpful for you.
Wishing you the best
