Stealth Emphysema

[Exile]

A few years ago a routine chest x-ray turned up scarring on my lungs. Recently, I came down with an upper respiratory infection and had another chest x-ray, It was only then that I was advised that scarring is a sign of chronic emphesyma which it turns out that I have had for several years and didn't even know it--I never had breathing problems or a chronic cough.

The kicker here is that emphysema is usually associated with smoking, and I am an inveterate non-smoker. However, both my parents were heavy cigarette users, so my condition is apparently the result of childhood exposure to second-hand smoke.

The point that I would like to make is that if there was the excuse of ignorance regarding the consequences of exposure to second hand smoke years ago, that alibi will no longer fly. So smokers, if you love your children, do not expose them to your addiction. They don't deserve the damage that second hand smoke can cause them along with the likelihood that they will also become tobacco users. Better yet, quit the habit altogether.

[PrincessPerky]

I am so sorry to hear of your trouble .

And I wish I could get it thru some smokers thick skulls the damage they are doing...even if they smoke outdoors...if the smell makes me puke when you come in..it is getting in your kids lungs... and doing damage. sigh...I know how relaxing smoking can be, I used to smoke, and if I didn't have kids or a husband I would do it now...just not around non smokers.

[jodi]

I guess I can't pretend to understand addiction, never being a smoker myself...but I can't tolerate seeing people in cars with kids, with the windows rolled up, smoking a cig. Ugh. You can do what you want to youself, but keep your kids safe.

Thanks for the good message, and I'm sorry to hear of your condition.

[irmanator]

I am sorry for your condition. some smokers are real stubborn though.

[Exile]

Just a note to thank all those forum members who have posted sympathetic responses. If I've been able to get through to just one smoking parent, it will have been worth the effort.

[jodi]

How are you doing?

[Exile]

Originally Posted by jodi

How are you doing?

At this time, jodi, my only "symptom" is a recurring but mild cough. I haven't gotten around to consulting a pulmonologist to see what the long-term prognosis is.

[PrincessPerky]

I think they have new medicines and or surgeries that can really help...Not positive but a smoking uncle of my husbands had it bad, and he is 'doing great'...but not like I got a history of what that means ... not a close Uncle...

Anyway, can't hurt to get it checked.

[Exile]

Originally Posted by PrincessPerky

I think they have new medicines and or surgeries that can really help...Not positive but a smoking uncle of my husbands had it bad, and he is 'doing great'...but not like I got a history of what that means ... not a close Uncle...

Anyway, can't hurt to get it checked.

Right you are, PrincessPerky, but since at this time I'm pretty much asymptomatic, it's just a matter of getting my rear in gear.