Is bronchitis COPD ?

[Seb1]

Only my physio said it was

[Tysum773]

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are both long-term lung conditions. They're part of a disorder known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Because many people have both emphysema and chronic bronchitis, the umbrella term COPD is often used during diagnosis.

[Seb1 in reply to Tysum773]

It was my physio that said it i sisnt even know.

[Smoggy1990Boggy in reply to Seb1]

Hi Seb 1 you are entitled to ask for the records held about you. There used to be a fee but there isn’t now.

[a6gelaj76e in reply to Tysum773]

Hi,

COPD is very similar to Bronchiectasis, only the treatment is slightly different. I was diagnosed with asthma in '00 (even though I've been wheezy nearly all my life), COPD in '05 but 5 years later, they said it was misdiagnosed and it's Bronchiectasis I have. I see an asthma doctor in Bournemouth Hospital and an asthma specialist in Southampton Hospital.

[Minushabens]

Tysum773 is absolutely correct to say that COPD isn't really an illness in itself as such, but more a general term for a range of illnesses. The physio is also probably correct, but it's more useful to know more specifically what is wrong, ie bronchitis.

[Seb1 in reply to Minushabens]

Ive never heard it called copd. But i have chronic bronchitis so was confused a lil.

[Minushabens in reply to Seb1]

Yes, I think it does confuse people - a nurse told me I had COPD once, but I never heard mention of it again! I think the general rule of thumb is that asthma is reversible (ie by taking inhalers) but COPD isn't' so any non-reversible lung condition broadly falls under the COPD tag.

[Seb1 in reply to Minushabens]

Tbh i keep tellin them its a diff cough n mucus diff but theybwont have it. Makes me laugh there the so called experts.

[Minushabens in reply to Seb1]

Ask for a sputum sample to be taken & see what comes back. If you let folk on here know the results we might be able to give you some pointers to ask the GP if s/he doesn't deal with it.

[Seb1 in reply to Minushabens]

I have an unusal bug idunno wat its called though.

[Minushabens in reply to Seb1]

Was it pseudomonas by any chance?

[Seb1 in reply to Minushabens]

Doesnt sound like that.

[Minushabens in reply to Seb1]

OK, just wondered because it's one that's a key indicator of underlying problems in the lungs. Other frequently occurring ones are aspergillus, haemophilus influenza, Streptococcus pneumoniae?

[Seb1 in reply to Minushabens]

Began with s but not one you have written above.. ive never heard of it tbh. My hosp cons argue it out what ive got its ridiculous.

[Minushabens in reply to Seb1]

In a sense it doesn't matter too much - the ones I listed are just bugs that are associated with things like bronchiectasis. Whatever it is, though, they ought to be doing something about it!

[Seb1 in reply to Minushabens]

No they just leave me to it. Im just bit fed up of hosp cons saying its this then it isnt then it is. Arghhh i know for a fact c.bronchitis n asthma. Few allergies. Im just worried as ihave a driving job so in and out of the cold and hot air already had time off. Dont want not work but thn heard a lio about pip im struggling i really am nowadays.

[Minushabens in reply to Seb1]

I'm just learning about how to apply for PIP myself, but yes you should go for it.

[Seb1 in reply to Minushabens]

Aww let me know how u get on. I hope u get it. Ithink ppl like us get overlooked far too much.

[Minushabens in reply to Seb1]

I couldn't agree more!

[a6gelaj76e in reply to Seb1]

Hi,

Have you had a lung function test done at the hospital, also known as a Spirometry test? That should be able to tell you, and them how bad your lungs really are. Hope you get it sorted soon! 🙂

[Seb1 in reply to a6gelaj76e]

Yeah but they say its good

[Hidden in reply to Seb1]

That explains it. Chronic bronchitis is one cause of COPD.

[Saassii]

Look at the air quality in your home. Maybe you have a water leak/damage that is producing microbes that are invading your lungs causing the respiratory distress. Do you see signs of mold at home? Peeling paint? Stains on ceiling? Old carpets that were ever wet? Down pipes broken? Full gutters? Indoor condensation? Musty smell anywhere?

[Seb1 in reply to Saassii]

No nothing like that. Think its wether related atm tbh.

[Hidden in reply to Seb1]

If cold air is the trigger, wear a mask. It will warm the air before you breathe it. I can’t bear to use mine in the summer.

[Seb1 in reply to Hidden]

I wear a scarf

[Hidden in reply to Seb1]

I have to filter air pollutants. I live in Florida and that mask is like a personal sauna in our five month summer.

[Saassii]

A mycologist explained to me that microbes become particularly active during the colder wetter months, it's their time to celebrate as conditions become perfect for them, they thrive. Makes it much harder on humans however.

The mask is a great idea. It won't capture the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) released from any adversely affected building materials, but the charcoal masks filter the spores out and other small particulate that can aggravate your condition.

Best wishes

[a6gelaj76e]

Hi Seb1,

Bronchitis is an umbrella term for chest infection, (or the other way round). COPD is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, (is similar to Emphysema). Bronchitis can be treated with antibiotics, and eventually goes. COPD is controlled with medication, but is long term! 🙂

[Seb1 in reply to a6gelaj76e]

Bronchitis is long term and not always treated with antibiotics. Mine never goes away ever.

[a6gelaj76e in reply to Seb1]

Hi Seb1,

Sorry to hear that. I get several chest infections a year, (which is treated with antibiotics and steroids) because of my Asthma and Bronchiectasis, but the doctors never mention Bronchitis. P'raps they're slightly different then. Hope you get it sorted soon! 🙂

[Seb1 in reply to a6gelaj76e]

Maybe it varies person to person

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to Seb1]

There’s different types of bronchitis, hence the confusion!

Acute bronchitis is a chest infection which may or may not get ABs (can be viral or bacterial).

Chronic bronchitis is what they link with emphysema for COPD - a productive cough for 3+ months, not affected my inhalers/medications other than possible carbocisteine to break up the mucus.

Asthmatic bronchitis is present when an asthmatic is uncontrolled. Usually it’s a productive cough which disappears with the right med regime or when emergency treatment is given.

I suffer from asthmatic bronchitis when I’m having a flare, plus get a lot of acute bronchitis (tho for me it’s more likely to be viral so no ABs)

Hope that explains things a bit

[Seb1 in reply to EmmaF91]

Mines chronic bronchitis never goes away but i do know the difference is that cough to my asthma cough.