Difference between fixed airway obstruction and COPD

Chest and lungs
1

Hello my husband was admitted to hospital twice in 2015 within a matter of days and was treated as having COPD being aged 69 and an ex smoker.  He was eventually diagnosed the following year after tests as having essentially asthma with fixed airway obstruction.  Is this the same as COPD if not what the difference and prognosis.  He was told that he did not need pulmonary rehabilitation but could be considered in the future.  Thanks.

2

Hello Libralady13.I have got Asthma and COPD but I don't have any different treatments.One preventer inhaler does for both twice a day.And the blue inhaler for when I get out of breath.

I have just had a awful chesty cough that was with me for almost 4 months.I did have treatment for that.

Good luck someone else will know more when they come along.

3

Thank you for your reply.  My husband has symbicort 2 puffs twice and day spiriva one capsule (2 puffs) once a day and salbutamol 4 times a day.  We thought using the salbutamol 4 times after the initial problems did not seem right but yes it was written down on dishcharge letter.  I always thoguht that a blue inhaler was used only when needed and I also have asthma and take symbicort twice a day and salbutamol when needed which is really only when I have a cold.  I know what you mean about chesty coughs.  Colds and coughs seem to last ages for me and I dread getting them.

4

I've been told to use the blue albuterol inhaler 4 x day several times.

5

Hi Libralady.  I too have asthma or COPD (Idon't know the difference) and if I get a cold it lasts ages, usually brought into the house by my beloved husband, caught whilst shopping.  I have a standby supply of antibiotics and steroids for this so it might be a good idea to ask your Dr. for some.  Added to this, I avoid people like the plague!!  Hope this helps a bit and best wishes. xx

6

Hello thanks for yur reply.  My husband does have an emergency pack of anitbiotics and steroids but so far have not had to use them.  When he was in hospital before being diagnosed he did havve steroids on both occasions but he never needed anitibiotics.