I was diagnosed with COPD - emphysema 3 years ago. I m 41 years old and a non smoker. My FEV is 79.5. Right now I m going through a very bad spell of breathing problems that is a combination of wheezing and breathlessness. Inhalers have a marginal effect on my condition since it is irreversible. Montek helps me a bit. I was wondering if I should increase my dosage? Is there any thing else that can make me feel better? This bad spell has been on since July.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. Yes, you are right, COPD is irreversible disease but surely manageable and controllable through proper treatment. COPD treatment needs simultaneous application of below-mentioned steps.1. Meter does inhaler containing long acting beta 2 agonists and inhaled corticosteroids. So make sure that your inhaler is having these.2. Enroll yourself in Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center where chest physiotherapy is available.  Deep breathing exercise is also helpful.3. Get done pulmonary vaccination with adult vaccines like pneumococcal and h. Influenza. This will help in prevention of future infection. Try to do all steps simultaneously for better control of COPD.