I've just been diagnosed with COPD. What are the up-to date treatments ?

[Taffyrocker]

Been Asthmatic for 30 years. I am on EVERYTHING for my Asthma. But they reckon my exacerbations are being triggers by other factors. Is COPD curable? Is it progressive? Other searching questions? Can anyone shed light on my new diagnosive?

[andymb]

Hi Taffyrocker, sorry to hear of your diagnosis but now you're a member of this forum you will see it need not be the end of the world.

COPD is not curable and it is progressive, having asthma for so long I doubt you smoke but if you do then giving up is the No.1 you should do to slow the progression. Were you told what stage you were at?

There are so many things you will want to know, so have a look at this BLF link for lots of information.

blf.org.uk/Conditions/Detai...

Good luck taffyrocker, anything you need to know in future, there is usually someone here who will have an answer for you! Andy

[Taffyrocker in reply to andymb]

Hi Andy. I havent yet been told stage I'm at . I have NEVER smoked at all. Thx for the link to COPD. Cheers mate

[Jettace]

Hi Taffy ...No it's not curable an it's progressive but given you eat right an exercise an try to lead a healthy life style it's more than manageable....This site is very knowledgeable with lots of people who have lived with copd for many years so feel free to ask as many questions as u like ...best wishes Wes

[initial]

As I'm led to believe, COPD is a slowly progressive disease. I am on seretide 50/500, spiriva and salamol, and take carbocistiene to help shift the accumulating mucous in my chest, and uniphillin pills.

I do think you are best speaking to the BLF helpline nurses - just click the big red balloon for their phone number, and I'm sure they will offer you more information.

Do you know what stage you are at with your COPD? Take care x

[longlungs]

Hi welcome to our friendly helpful forum Taffyrocker.I agree with the advice already given by the others here.You must have so many questions,so fire away and what we cant help with ring the blf do that anyway as they will send out a pack of information that you can read through which is very helpful.Nice meeting you Janexx

[knitter]

Hi taffy rocker, I was diagnosed with asthma 20years ago after a bout of pneumonia, but at my last review it was suggested I had COPD caused by my smoking 40years ago, also my husband smoked but he stopped in 1976! But I have noticed that my productive cough has got much better recently so I don't really know. I think asthma is considered reversible and COPD not... I am not really sure ...can you ring the helpline to ask. Have you had a reversibility test with a spirometer. The nurse who carried out the test said I did not have COPD but there was some congestion,but the next nurse did not agree.

I have to balance my use of relievers with inhaled and oral steroids. Best of luck

[Edureader]

Hi, I'm Edureader - an email I already had. I'm 58 and was told I had emphysema last week by my doc after having a chest x ray. Still in the early stages of coming to terms with it, but rang the BLFs support nurse and feel much better about it now. My doctor just told me what I had and to google it to find out more. Don't ever do this unless you know which site to go to for common sense support - it scared me stiff.

[liriel]

Totally I googled it and was distraught at first I should know better then spoke to dr and got full explanation I am early stages as well

[katieoxo60]

Hi Taffyrocker, as already said your diagnosis is a Chronic progressive illness, but with care and treatment you can lead a good live for many years to come.The most recommended treatment today even in early stages is Pulmonary Rehabilitation other treatments are mainly inhalers of varied names. Your treatment is very much in the hands of the doctors, who vary in what they believe is the best. There is no cure so go for the best for you, if something does not work go back to GP as there are many options and only you know what makes you feel better,by trial and error. Best wishes