Hi
I was diagnosed yesterday by my PCP as having very early COPD. I thought it was bronchitis. No further testing was performed. My mom died of COPD Chf and lung tumor. I'm well versed I. This and now want I think at the very least a Spirometry test. I am a 20 year pack a day smoker. Obviously beginning my quitting now. Any advice? Can this be diagnosed so quickly?
Hi, after yrs of chest infections I was referred to a thoracic consultant who first did a spirometry test followed by x rays and other tests before being diagnosed with copd. I also smoked for 30yrs but stopped 10 yrs ago when diagnosed. It seems strange you haven't been given these tests.
Hi Lizzielove,I am really scared at the moment as my hubby isn't well with this virus cold & hacking cough.Hes unable to bring any mucus up.I fear he will end up in hospital.The GP said his chest was clear,but I am calling our own doctor out on Monday,poor love he used to smoke & has hardly touch one for the last few days.Hes also got other health issues.But this virus has knocked him for six.Hope you're coping? Regards Amanda
Hi Lizzielove
COPD does happen gradually unless you get lung damage from a house fire /smoke inhalation, but no one usually gets tested until they begin to notice symptoms. Looking back I realised I had symptoms for some time before I went to the doctor and that was only because I happen to get a lung infection from a cold which didn't respond to initial treatments.
Being well versed you will know you are doing the right thing by quitting smoking now and also asking for a spirometry test.
If you have bronchitis on and off for years that can become chronic and hence lead to COPD.
But you don't say what tests you've had done that may indicate to your doctor the COPD diagnosis. Did you present with certain symptoms to your PCP perhaps?
If you have a definite diagnosis of copd then you might want to investigate referral to a pulmonary rehabilitation programme.
Best wishes v
Hi as copd is usually diagnosed via a spirmetry test I am confused how you can be diagnosed without it. You need to have one and also a chest X-ray, so push for these please. Do you have/had any other close relatives apart from your mother with copd? If so it is possible you have a genetic link, so ask for the test for alpha1 deficiency as well. It's only a simple blood test.
If you do have copd then remember that you are not your mother so try not to fret too much. x
Hi i have got this virus cold thing second week now, i fetch rubbish up mostly mornings and some during the day but it's that thick it's like having a drink and it goes down the wrong way and takes my breath a bit.
Thank you so much. I have plans to call the doctor on Monday.
Thank you so much. I was taken aback and just flustered at myself. I will be seeking docs advice on further testing.
As do I. Thank you for your reply. I was just sort of shocked that no X-rays were involved.
Good luck Lizzielove, keeping fingers crossed for you that it is only in the mild stage and there is so much you can do to help prevent its progression. Best Wishes V
(Some information and tips here: https://patient.info/forums/discuss/tips-know-the-difference-478568 )
I have Copd have had it a whiile now.Gave up smoking 15 years ago.Since September I started off with what I thought was a chest Infection and now its November and I am still with chesty cough.I have had 4 lots of Anticbiotics,steriod tablets,I asked if I could have a chest x ray as it seemed a long time to keep coughing.The results came back that something has been found on my lung.But they have ruled out Cancer which I am pleased about.Now waiting for a CT scan appointment.
Personally, I think one of the very best ways to find if someone has COPD, is by first taking a PFT (pulmonary function test)....at least this is an indicator that the patient has something that is obstructing or keeping gases from the lungs. Also, next, the oximeter is a good indicator of someone possibly having COPD (or anything else), because something is hindering oxygen to be in the blood stream. That is my opinion, but of course, much more tests will probably follow, in order to find the type of condition that is causing the problem.
So sorry that your mother had to succumb to this horrible disease, and also congestive heart failure, and lung tumor.
I wish you well in your journey of finding out what is wrong, and also, good luck in quitting your cigarrettes! It is best to quit, so the disease will not progress at a faster rate, because if you don't smoke, the disease can basically progress at a slower rate, and if you don't smoke, and you take the medications for treatment, and have a healthy diet, and especially if you exercise, you can prolong or slow down the progresses lots.
Take care! Brenda
Good. Let us know how you get on. x
I don't know where you live Brenda but I am in the UK. I doubt whether the NHS could cope with doing lots of tests unless they suspected there was something else going on apart from copd.
As far as I'm aware the spirometry test is the one they always do first and they can diagnose from that. I have high moderate copd and never had anything other than this, I even had to push and push for a chest x-ray and it took 4 years for my GP's to begrudgingly agree. x
I thought you knew that I am from the USA? I was stating how I felt was the first ways of finding about COPD, and gave my opinion. The doctor's here usually begin by giving the PFT (pulmonary function test), and we are told to use an oximeter, in order to know our oxygen blood sats., while at home. The PFT include spirometry test too. I am sorry that your doctor's won't allow more testing done, but, we go by our own insurance plans (yearly chosen from Obamacare), as what kind of medical plans n testing's we will be given throughout the year. We choose our own doctors, according to our plans doctor lists, and each plan pay's by percentage's for all other testing, pharmaceuticals, imagery, equipment, etc. I always center my thinking around my own lung condition, whenever choosing a plan, and this is why I can afford many tests following the spirometry. That was nice that the GP's gave you the chest x-ray. Take Care.
No sorry I didn't know you were from USA. I can't comment then as I don't know how the system works there. x
Hypercat, that is okay, and I understand, but, we still have to pay, and the expenses are called co-pays, and there is a co-pay for everything, all medical procedures. The co-pays depend on the plan chosen each year. Plus there is a monthly fee called, a premium, and the monthly premium costs are due to the type of plan chosen also. We are at liberty to have any kind of tests, or procedures possible, but it has to be approved by our doctor...we can also choose our own doctor, it the doctor is supported by the chosen plan. I made sure I got a very good plan the first year of my condition, so I could find out as much medically possible about it. Lately, my plans are average, because I now know, thanks to having all those tests done that first year of searching. I no longer need an expensive monthly premium plan. I know this may sound silly, but myself, along with other Americans, like the plan you have, because it seems you don't have to pay for anything, but not sure. xo
People in work in UK do have to pay prescriptions charges and other medical expenses such as flu jab, dental, optometrist etc. however medication prescription costs can be no where near the amount that the drugs would actually cost the NHS. A person wishing to go private of course has to pay for medical - that means they don't have to go on the NHS waiting list for any appointments or operations required, for NHS patients may have to wait some time to see a specialising consultant and can wait up to 6 months for an operation. Cancer patients are the exception. Some people with cateracts for instance may have to wait 6 months unable to see properly before a schedule operation appointment is mad3e available. Its swings and roundabouts.
This is where here on patient UK, a non UK person cannot advise UK residents on these things as UK residents cannot advise non UK residence on their own country's medical situation.
No doubt it would be helpful if people can identify the country they reside in then those in same country can advise and others need not reply.
A very good reply Vee and I totally agree. x
Yes, very well said, and helpful too, thank you Vee…..it would be nicer to know the country, also, I never thought to ask either, but in all sincerity, I meant to help though