im still spitting up small amounts of sputum,is this the norm,will this be whats its going to be like now?
Good morning all,been on ab's and ste... - Lung Conditions C...
Good morning all,been on ab's and steroids for the last 6 weeks for copd,and waiting to have spirometry test done in a couple of weeks,
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christyne
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Thanks squady for your reply,is copd linked to cancer eventually? as you can tell im new to this and very ignorant.
Definitely NOT linked to cancer.
thanks so much for your fast response
One of the main things you will learn is that it affects each of us differently. I am at the final stage now and have NEVER had lung (or any other kind of) cancer mentioned to me. There are risks associated with COPD, mainly heart problems and of course anyone who has to take steroids regularly risks osteoporosis. Try not to worry too much, it never solved anything and does wear you down. In the main I find the more research you do the better you understand the disease, and the better you can work to improve both your health and your quality of life. x
Definitely IS LINKED to cancer, particularly lung cancer.
Actually COPD has been shown is MANY studies to be a major risk factor for cancer independent of age, smoking history, and socioeconomic status. Some estimates put the increased cancer risk at 6 - 9 times due to COPD alone. Add on a smoking history and your cancer risk increases even more. Cancer is a major killer in COPD patients and accounts for roughly a third of the deaths. This is believed to be a result of the excess inflammation within the lung. That is in addition to all the other comorbidities that come along with COPD such as heart disease, osteoporosis, depression, anxiety, etc.
Until recently, some experts thought COPD alone made you more likely to develop lung cancer. New research is questioning whether this is really true. A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology looked at about 12,000 lung cancer cases and 38,000 matched controls in the United Kingdom and compared the timing of diagnosis of COPD, asthma, pneumonia, and lung cancer. The results conclude that the previous studies had not given full weight to the fact that most COPD patients are or were cigarette smokers and it is now thought that this history of cigarette smoking is the link to the cancer development, rather than the COPD itself.
Cancer Research UK state in the link given below :-
'Emphysema doesn't cause lung cancer'.
cancerresearchuk.org/cancer...
Whilst I appreciate this topic was bought into play by the poster as a general enquiry, please be aware in your responses that there are vulnerable and already anxious members here who may very well be alarmed by what is being vigorously discussed.
Totally agree scrobbity .
Hi christyne ,
I replied a few hours ago ...it seems to have disappeared ...... still not too good with computers.
I was diagnosed 6 months ago after a persistent cough and frequent chest infections for 2/3 years. Hadn't sought medical advice as I didn't want the smoking lectures. ....clever I know.
I was given 1 week of antibiotics , spiriva inhaler and champix to help stop smoking. Within a few days of quitting smoking the cough more or less cleared ! It had been day and night and very productive ....wheezing , spluttering and only sleeping in 20 minute bursts .
However I remember for about 2 weeks after the main cough had gone I was still coughing up small bits of dark green sputum. ....almost like residue . Nearly went back to doctors but this too cleared.
Every one is different though and if you have any doubts its best to contact your doctor or practice nurse. Could also contact the blf helpline ....red balloon at top of page for contact numbers.
Good luck with the spirometry test .Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on.
Cheers Coastal
Forgot ....I was also prescribed something similar to mucodine along with the antibiotics to help thin the mucus.
Thank you so much for your reply,people on this site are being very supportive of a novice, big hug x
Morning Christyne, My husband suffers with severe COPD and has done for years! Firstly I think that you don't need to be worrying about lung cancer - never been mentioned to my husband. Other things have eg. important to keep blood pressure down, stop smoking and to keep as fit as possible.
One thing I have learnt is that COPD is different for each person. My husband does cough up a lot in the morning and then not so much during the day. He is much much worse if he has infection or has one brewing! If you have any doubts that the infection has not cleared up - go back to your gp. We have found that sometimes it can take 3/4 courses of antibiotics to clear up an infection properly.
There are drugs to help thin the mucous and help to cough it up - my husband has a nebuliser at home and uses saline in it which immediately dispels mucous. If you feel you need more information it might be a good idea to ring the helpline (click on the red balloon) - they have lots of good advise, leaflets and information which may help you. On a personal note we have found over the years that it is necessary to be quite proactive and be involved in your treatment plan, keep asking questions.
Take good care, lots of love TAD xx
In answer to your original question, Christyne - it is not necessarily going to stay that way - everyone is different; some produce loads of mucous whilst others not. If you are at all concerned, as others have rightly said, contact either your GP and/or BLF helpline. 
x
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