Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Mahler answers “real” questions
often asked by his patients with COPD
![Why is my COPD getting worse even though I quit smoking?](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65d945c0879b6223a00add64/1710979726482-3WYQF0KJCAXV2EAFAAIM/stop-smoking.jpg)
Why is my COPD getting worse even though I quit smoking?
Dear Dr. Mahler:
Why does my COPD seem to be getting worse? After my doctor pushed hard, I quit smoking 4 years ago. I have been doing pulmonary rehabilitation at the local hospital. However, my breathing seems to be getting worse and I have 1 – 2 chest colds each year, usually sometime between fall and spring. I take Advair and Spiriva regularly, and use ProAir 2 – 3 times a day when I am active. What do you think?
Hank from Appleton, WI