Thoughts Only Those With Lung Disease Can Relate To

We often refer to anyone with breathing issues as "lungers." This includes people with diseases like asthma (which I have) and COPD (which you may have).

While lungers try to live as normally as possible, we often experience things a bit differently, as I'm sure you know. There are certain things we face that those without lung diseases do not, such as shortness of breath, and that causes us to think about things others do not.

Questions those with COPD may ask themselves

"What will my life be like in x years?"

If you ponder your future, know that I have done the same. I remember being a child, sitting on my bed late at night, severely short of breath. I'd wake my mom up, and she'd drive me to the hospital – once again.

Once I was breathing better, lying peacefully, and breathing easily in the hospital bed, my mind would wander. I'd think about my future and wonder what life would be like for me in 10 years or more.

Would I even be alive? If so, would my breathing be even worse? Little did I know things would get better, not worse, for me in the future.

"I wish there was a cure"

Yep, been there, done that. Heck, still do that. Now, with years of experience and after lots of studying, I am aware that once you have a disease like asthma or COPD, you always have it. I've learned that despite there being no cure, there are treatments to help us breathe easier and live better.

"When will I be able to take a deep breath?

Taking a deep breath feels nice. The feeling of relief when using an inhaler or nebulizer during a flare-up is the best. That's not a feeling most people will ever experience.

I imagine normal people take their breathing for granted. Why wouldn't they, especially when it's not something they struggle with?

Most people don't even think about breathing. It's just something that happens without much thought. But those of us with lung diseases not only think about it, but when breathing comes easy, we find an utter fascination with the joy of an easy, fresh breath.

"If you have to pee really bad and you can't breathe, which one do you take care of first?"

If you aren't a lunger, you might find this odd, perhaps even funny. But for those of us with lung diseases, chances are we've had to pee and struggled with our breathing at the same time. But really, what would you do?

In my past experiences with asthma, feeling self-conscious, I've rushed to the bathroom and, well, you know, while gasping for air. In the hospital, when we have patients severely short of breath who also say they have to pee, we say things like, "Well, just let it out. Your breathing is more important. We can clean up later."

"Why does that person have to wear or do that?"

People without lung diseases can wear strong-smelling perfumes and colognes without much thought. They can smoke cigarettes and make fires without worrying about them taking their breath away.

That's not the case with us. Such strong smells and activities can bring about flare-ups for many of us. So, we prefer clean, fresh, unscented air.

These are just a few of the questions people with COPD may have regularly. Life is just different for those with COPD. And that is okay.

Is there something you would add to this list? Share with us in the comments below.