Copd symptoms but normal on spirometry.

[Badbessie]

Came across this research. A number of members of this site have posted that they have been diagnosed Copd but on spirometry their lung function is normal. There appears to be some evidence having symptoms but normal lung function could mean that spirometry is not that good a method of diagnosis in its very early stage. Some doctors are now giving treatment for symptoms rather than a definitive diagnosis of Copd. See what you think.

sciencedaily.com/releases/2...

[2greys]

I wonder if this has a bearing on why my function went up so much yet the CT Scan still showed the same damage. Maybe the study group were fitter, so their lungs were operating more efficiently.

[Badbessie in reply to 2greys]

Obviously once damaged you can only improve function by making them work better by improving fitness etc. In my opinion when showing early symptoms you should have a CT scan. Spirometry alone does not seem to be a very good diagnostic tool in the early stages. I just wonder how many people have had normal spirometry results when their lungs would show damage if they had had a CT scan at the same time.

[Hidden in reply to Badbessie]

I don't actually have COPD, I have Bronchiectasis (I know some people think they're the same, but they're not). But I had spirometry first, and a CT scan a few weeks later, before my diagnosis.

[mrsmummy]

Spirometry can often be the first test to highlight a problem but it should always be followed by a CT scan to help with diagnosis.