I had a chest xray 2weeks ago due to getting more and more breathless and coughing all day and night. Phoned for the results today and was told the xray was normal. How can it be normal if I have Copd. I'm confused any help would be appreciated
21, I've felt that way and my x-ray showed Pneumonia. Is your Dr. a Pulmonary Specialist ? What meds are you currently taking ? Do you have any other medical problems that could be contributing to this problem ? What stage is your COPD right now ?
Usually COPD isn't diagnosed from xrays but from pulmonary/lung function tests which are also called spirometry. They need to be treating your cough and there are plenty of meds for that.
If you smoke, stop now.
My Dr isn't a specialist. I have diviculittis also but it has nothing to do with the cough. The med I'm on are spiro inhaler and ventolin. Dr said I have moderate Copd but I haven't had a full nights sleep for over 6 months due to waking up coughing out of breath and bringing up phlegm. But I have to admit I can't give up smoking a d the more I worry the more I smoke
I had a spirometry done again last year and Dr said it was moderate Copd and yes I'm afraid I'm still smoking and I know it's going to make everything worse but I'm finding it so hard to do. But thank you for the reply.
Sorry forgot to thank you
Same thing happened to me. Had an X-ray which was reported as normal by the X-ray doctors. However, when the specialist looked at it, he could see the start of emphysema. Take X-rays to your specialist and see what he/she says.
21,
Cigarettes also were my best/worst friend. They ruled my life so much that it was not uncommon for me to out at 3 AM, in ice and snow to purchase my brand. Quitting "cold turkey" was very difficult and after 45 years of smoking the withdrawal was an ordeal, but I had to break the habit or die. I just celebrated my 2 year anniversary
Today I have Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. I've lost 70% of my lung function and have constant mucus problems.
Please, you must be strong and quit as soon as possible. The longer that you wait the more non-reversible damage you do.
Contact your country's lung foundation. There's tons of help for quitting smoking and it all starts with a plan.
x-rays are not informative enough when it comes to COPD, as someone has already said to you.
You need a spirometry , Lung function test a CT scan which is much more detailed and give the doctors a three-d image compared to an x-ray ehich is one dimensional.
You also need to see a specialist pulmologist whith at the least yearly appointments to check progress.
Can I just point out to you, I am moderate Bronchiectasis/Asthma/Emphysema and for years told at clinic lungs are good now they are not.
I believe and my consultant agrees, that, since I retired I am not as heavily active although my diet has improved.
What I am sayig to you is, you can make things better for yourself with Exercise, healthy diet, and fighting for your rights.
I would also strongly advise you to ask your GP or Pulmologist / consultant to arrange for PR Pulmonary rehabilitation who will learn you about Lung clearance pacing yourself etc.
You can stop it in it`s track for many years just by doing the right thing and in some cases gain back some lung function.
I hope this and all the other advice from other members inspires you to get fit and stick two fingers up at COPD.
Wishing you better health.
Tom.
Thank you I will go see my GP demand to see a specialist and have the test you've mentioned. My GP seems to just give me antibiotics and steroids almost every 6 weeks and as you can imagine my weight had ballooned.
Hi 21. I also have had an all clear on my x-rays. Spirometry excellent, not even mild asthma. However, I have emphysemic changes showing in my lungs on a scan. To be honest I don't have a pulmonary specialist but have this week begged my GP to refer me as I am confused about if I have it now or not. I have managed to give up smoking by going cold turkey believe me it's not easy but it is worth it. I have borrowed a bike and now I can manage 20 minutes cycling. I still get breathless going upstairs and simple things like hanging out washing, not sure why I can manage a bike ride but struggle with simple things. However, my reason for writing this is to try to encourage you to give up smoking it is THE best thing you can do to help yourself. Only you can make that decision. It is not easy, I am on week 21 and still struggle, so I know with the right encouragement you can do it, one day at a time. Good luck.
Normal means you don't have a lung infection.
Check back with your doctor and maybe refer back to your pulmonary specialist if your breathing is getting worse and you are coughing day and night if this is not usual for you.
Weather conditions can exacerbate symptoms without necessarily having a lung infection.
I cough every time the air quality is poor but not at other times, if you have had your windows open in heat and high pollen days chances are its in your home, or you are bringing it in on your clothes etc.
Check advice BLF pages, helping lungs in hot weather, cold weather etc.
Thank you I will go and see the Dr as the cough has been bad since January
Thank you I've found being on this forum is giving me encouragement. I've started with an e cigarette to see how I get on. But everyone says you must go cold turkey.
Well done for quitting. Hopefully I will be able to celebrate when the time scones of being off the cigarettes
21,
I've mentioned this before in another posting, but I believe that it bears repeating. Before your next and all future medical appointments, write down all of your questions and concerns that you feel that you need to discuss with your health care professional. It is ever so easy to get sidetracked and forget to make your inquiries known. It is too late after you get back home and realise that you did get your concerns addressed.
Tell your health care provider what you experience on a daily basis. From the time you rise for the day, to how much you cough/spit/and how long you take to get to a more comfortable breathing level. Don't get dramatic, but tell them your story. They may just hear something that will help them to better help you.
You do not have to go cold turkey. Some do, some don't. But e cigs & vapes may be even worse for you. We simply don't know how they'll play out over time.
Calling your country's lung association can get you tons of free help with quitting. A plan is crucial. Patches, pills, gum & lozenges help tremendously for those of us who couldn't do cold turkey. The evil plastic straws are helpful if you need something to play with.
Good luck. Many of us have been through this & we're all pulling for you.
aitarg,
While we all agree that quitting smoking is the most important goal, in my opinion, patches and pills and gum only act as crutches that just prolong the withdrawal process. Having used them all at one time or another they do not force the smoker to fully commit to changing their behavior.
To quit the smoker has to come to the point that they are not willing to be under the control of the cigarettes any longer. Until/unless a smoker is ready to admit that the cigarettes have controlled their lives and that they are not willing to allow it to continue, quitting is very difficult. One has to win the mental battle (being psychologically addicted) before they can battle the physical addiction.
I and others are willing to stand by and give support to any that need a friend as they quit their dependence upon this unhealthy lifestyle. I'm willing to try to help anyone that needs a support-friend at a difficult time.
Gosh, Larry, i am so happy for you in your superior being! All those other things exist fir us mere mortals, for whom commitment to a plan is the 1st step. All those other things are supposed to be used for finite periods. But when it comes to keeping the smoke out of damaged lungs, that is the goal: keep smoke/vape/fumes out of the lungs. If someone gets stuck on the gum for longer than you think is appropriate, console yourself with your superiority.
Personally, i needed the permanent crutch of faith in the Lord to finally get me off cigs 11+ years ago, and to keep me off. Not giving up that crutch no matter how much it irks you.
Of course we're here to encourage & support! My support, however, lacks your sanctimony.