copd diagnosis

[bikergrove]

I was wondering if any fellow copd sufferers had a scan done on their lungs or a referral to a specialist.My diagnosis has been made by asthma nurse(who is lovely) and the blowing into tubes test, but as i have been a smoker in the past are they assuming i have copd because of this and not investigating further?

[RibvanRey]

My COPD was diagnosed by my GP by spirometry tests. It was not until it had deteriorated that I was referred to a Consultant. He confirmed my diagnosis and arranged a 3 monthly check up. He recommended that I continued the meds my GP had started.

BTW it isn't because you smoked. I never smoked but they treated me the same way. So that is a non started Biker

[Hidden]

Hi the NICE guidelines (google it) state that if a patient is over 35 and is or has been a smoker then a diagnosis of COPD should be considered. If there is any doubt about the diagnosis a chest x-ray should be done and maybe even a CT scan. I am moderate at 66%

I was in exactly the same situation except that I had a spirometry done to confirm diagnosis which is a more accurate tool for COPD. The peak and flow meter is mainly for asthma though it can be difficult to differentiate between that and copd because they overlap.

I was repeatedly turned down for a chest x-ray as it was 'not necessary' and it wasn't until 4 years after diagnosis that I managed to get one done. I have asked to see a consultant but was told that was not needed until and unless the surgery could no longer manage my care.

They should have done a spirometry test for diagnosis so I would ask for one please. Also you have the right to a second opinion so if you request to see a consultant (or his team) they cannot turn you down.

The main danger I can see (I have had asthma for many years too) is that they assume it is COPD if you have been a smoker and are reluctant to look for other causes which doesn't mean there is one but then it doesn't mean there isn't if you see what I mean.

I hope this has helped x

[bikergrove in reply to Hidden]

It has thank you so much, it is 4 15am and i have had the most terrible coughing fit,hope i haven't woke the neighbours,will surf the net to pass away the time. take care and thanks

[Hidden]

Just like you, I was diagnosed by the practice nurse. After a couple of years I decided to see a specialist who diagnosed COPD and asthma as well. I now have a different set of medicines and the quality of my life has improved massively. Just wish I had done it sooner.

[Hidden]

Just like my husband! He has been diagnosed for over 12 years and has never seen a consultant. His was diagnosed by a doctor without the spirometry tests, that came later. Given the inhalers and away we went! It was only when he had a severe drug reaction some years later that he had an x-ray. At that point I started to be more proactive, found the local respiratory team and asked the gp for a referral which in turn got him on a pulmonary rehab course (fantastic if you get the opportunity - exercise and information over six weeks, twice a week for two hours) which in turn opened the door of the BLF and the local breath easy group. Even now he is classed as severe 27% lung function he has not been referred to a consultant - the policy here is not to refer unless you are not coping well! Perhaps a call to the BLF helpline may help you and advise you what care you should be offered. Take care, lots of love TAD xx

[bikergrove]

Thanks for that info i had a bad night coughing spent most of the night downstairs,i have decided to try again with the carbocisteine tablets perhaps i didn't persevere long enough with them.love Bikergrovex

[Dragonmum]

My asthma nurse told me I had COPDS, never had any tests other than hers

[bikergrove]

i do trust my asthma nurse she is lovely but i still wonder why they are not concerned that it could be lung cancer not copd and therefore a scan would seem to be essential to eliminate this

[soulsaver in reply to bikergrove]

When you say 'blow in tubes' someone thought you meant a peak flow meter - unlikely IMO. If she dxd you as COPD it would have been spirometry. which is also blow in tubes.

You can ask for a copy of your results and get feedback on the Fev1 and FVC measures on here... some accurate, not all.

UK: The NHS does the statistical minimum necessary to establish a diagnosis. If your spiro test showed an obstructive pattern (graph over time of the blow plus Fev1/Fvc ratio below the norm level) = Asthma or COPD. Not improving enough under post bronchodilator retest (Salbutamol x 4 puffs, 20 min delay) rules out asthma; then with a significant smoking history invariably dx is COPD.

Other potential afflictions will show differently in the traces, I believe.

If you are worried that something has been missed push for a referral but that still won't guarantee you CT scan, but maybe get hospital based spirometry which is more comprehensive & measures blood gas exchanges etc..

Good luck.

[Isme]

I must have been lucky, Gp sent me straight for X-Ray the Dr who looked at it requested another ( thought he saw a nodule) so had CT consultant appointment and Spirometry test all in a 2 week period. Came away with Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis diagnosis and no nodule....phew xx

[bikergrove]

I bet you were very relieved with your results take care luv bikergrove

[Stephend]

Hi bikergrove

When you do a spirometry tests the machine tell's them theirs an abstruction copd then they do ct scan to say what obstruction it is I hope this helps you don't worry about it

[bikergrove]

Thanks just trying to understand this illness and accept it, i hate all the coughing and disgusting phlem one brings up, you take care of yourself and keep smiling x