Chest infection unknowingly.

[warbler]

Hi, I have mild COPD but very active and don't normally have any symptoms of COPD apart from the occasional restrictive breathing. I recently had an ear infection which I needed antibiotics to clear it up, as the infection started to get better I noticed that my breathting had improved slightly. My question is could I have had a chest infection as well that I was not aware of ? And is that something I should be concerned about ?

Thanks in advance.

[scorpiolass]

I guess it is possible but I would not be too concerned if you are now feeling better. Maybe check it out if your breathing worsens. X

[1hopefuture]

Stress can influence our breathlessness and earache is very painful and stressful.

[Hidden]

Possibly warbler. You need to watch out for exacerbations with copd. Often one will follow a cold (but not always) where you cough up green or yellow gunk. This is a sign of a chest infection which might need ab's and steroids.

The other type is usually something triggering off symptoms of breathless etc. This is usually caused by pollution such as traffic, perfumes or cleaning materials etc. If you get one of those and your usual meds don't help then you might need steroids to clear it. x

[warbler in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply, I don't think ive ever had a serious chest infection but my breathing does feel a bit odd when air quality is poor.

[teddywinks in reply to warbler]

I still smoke with copd (try to give up soon) the air outside affects me more than inside and more than smoking. Especially when pollen around. I've just bought some paper face masks for when I drive through countryside or gardening. Not used yet but worth a go. Cheap off ebay around £5 per 100

[Watfordgirl]

I think any infection, such as one in your ear, can affect your breathing a bit. Glad you're now feeling better. x

[teddywinks]

Ear and chest don't go hand in hand. Could be coincidence but nothing to worry about I would think