Lung Disease/Emphsema

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Expert: James Lee Barlitt, RN, LNC, NREMT-P, CRT - 4/19/2001


Question
I'm a 31 year old smoker. I'm on the following medicines, COMBIVENT INHALER B-1 I take it 4 puffs 4 times a day. AZMACORT INHALER RHO also 4 puffs 2 times a day. My Dr. stated that I am in the first stages of emphsema. Does this lung disease spread fast or slow. If I were able to stop smoking now would it go away. I still have some problems breathing, I will catch myself taking double breathes all the times, what does that mean. The medicine hads helped I'm not coughing like I was and that helps alot. Hope you can help me. Thanks,  Sharon Sweatt

Answer
Hi Sharon,
  Emphsema is a progessively worsen disease, it's slow, but at 31 with the medications and symptoms you sre describing means you have it, it's already effecting you and yes, you MUST stop smoking or by the time you are 41 you'll need to carry around oxygen.  If you stop smoking now, the damage that smoking does will stop, it has been documented that smokers who quit, after 10 years (10, I didn't want you to think I mistyped the number) your lungs will be as healthy as someone who has not smoked.  For this to happen, you must stop and anyone who is around can't smoke, 2nd hand smoke is as bad for you as smoking.  Talk to your doctor about Zyban, a drug which may help you quit. Zyban is expensive so ask for wellbutrin which is the same drug at a lower cost. Any questions you have, just write me back.  Jim

Lung Disease

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James Lee Barlitt, RN, LNC, NREMT-P, CRT

Expertise

As a Professional Health Care provider who has specialized in critical and emergency care, I can answer your medical questions. As RN working in an Intensive Care Unit and as a Certified Respiratory Therapist, I am knowledgeable in respiratory care, injury or disease. I research every answer to ensure you are getting the cutting edge answer you deserve. If I cannot answer your question, I can give you references or points of contact to assist you in finding that information.

Experience

I have over 15 years of medical training ranging from Emergency Medical Technician to Critical Care Nursing. I now work in a consulting position, primarily to deliver medical answers to the public.

Organizations
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES
American Association of Critical Care Nursing, National Association
AACN Local Association - Member-at-Large Board Member 1998-99, President-Elect 99-00
National Registered Emergency Medical Technician Association
Emergency Nursing Association, National Association and Local
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
Life Member, Non-Commission Officers Association
Life Member, 82nd Airborne Division Association
Life Member, Disabled American Veterans
Life Member, Practical Shooter's Association
Yearly Member, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, NRA


Publications
Reviewer for several National Medical Publishers.

Education/Credentials
1999- 2000 BS (Health Administration, minor in Human Resources), Trinity College & University, May 00
1995-1997 ASN (Nursing), Regents College of New York, Feb 97.
1989-1997 AAS (Emergency Medical Svcs.), Fayetteville Technical Community College, Jun 97.   
2000-current BA (Psychology), Thomas Edison State College
2000-current BSHS (Health Professions Education), Thomas Edison State College


Awards and Honors
CERTIFICATIONS
Registered Nursing License
    American Heart Association;
Advance Cardiac Life Support Provider/Instructor
Basic Cardiac Life Support Instructor
Pediatric Advance Cardiac Life Support
Neonatal Emergency Resuscitation Program
National Registered Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic
National Board of Respiratory Care - Certified Respiratory Therapist Technician
Basic Trauma Life Support International ? Instructor

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