Was diagnosed with asthma years back , treated with inhalers, got along fine, untill this week had to visit doctors this week due to having difficulty with chest. Doctor told me could hear crackling and wheezing in lungs. Biven steriods and new inhaler & then told me he wants me to be tested for COPD,
What does this involve?
COPD is a fairly generic, catch-all term for a range of lung conditions, so it's hard to say. I'd be thinking in terms of spirometry, blood tests, maybe a CT-scan, sputum tests or chest x-rays. Any or all of those are possible.
If those tests show up a specific issue, you will likely be told it. For example, I was diagnosed initially with COPD (having had asthma all my life), went through all sorts of tests, then got a refined diagnosis (in my case, ABPA).
Alternatively, if there's no obvious issue, they might just stick to COPD (likewise if you've smoked), or just continue with your asthma diagnosis.
If you need any more detail on any of those tests, let us know.
Thank you
At the very least it'll be a sirometry test, can be done at GP or at out patients in hospital. It's necessary to rule copd in - or out! I've had both go test & out patients (via respiratory consultant) & pleased to say no copd. Good luck. P
Thanks.
Minushabens is correct when he/she says COPD covers several lung conditions. If it helps, I've been diagnosed with both COPD and asthma yet receive the same treatment for both conditions. As far as I can remember the tests were not invasive, it it worth undergoing the tests as it give both you and your doctor a better idea of what is going on with your lungs.
Hope this helps
Nick
Thank You.
It was suggested I might have COPD rather than, or in addition to, Asthma.
COPD is - not infrequently - misdiagnosed for Eosinophilic Asthma as Spirometry and Chest Examinations can return similar results.
Rather than rely on any local diagnosis planned to be carried out at your GPs, you might want to request a Consultant Referral including Tests at a Hospital Respiratory Dept.
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