Do I have COPD?

[jezz09]

Hi,

I am a 28 male. I am a former heavy smoker, I quit 6 years ago. Even before I started smoking I have always been quite a heavy breather and always struggled with breathing during exercise, though I was never diagnosed with asthma or any other condition. Since December last have suffered periodically with chest tightness, usually at work, not during exercise, which was usually once or twice a week 5 a side football of decent intensity for 1hr+. I heard of someone I know having copd so of course I went and looked it up and convinced myself that I have it. I do sometimes feel a little short of breath after climbing stairs, though I normally run up them. In the last 2 weeks I've been off work, so I am noticing myself being conscious of my breathing all the time. Not necessarily short of breath, but aware of it. If I am busy, I forget about it, until I sit down idle again. I have upped my exercise routine, and I have ran 3-5 km 6 times in the last 2 weeks. I can't imagine I would do amazingly well on a spirometry test, if I practice the technique I've seen, I run out of puff pretty quick. I am hoping this is in my head. What are your opinions?

[mrsmummy]

Hi and welcome to the forum. If you have any worries you should see your doctor who can arrange for the appropriate tests to be undertaken if he suspects COPD. These include looking at your medical/lifestyle history, doing a spirometry test and ordering x-rays/a CT scan. If it is picked up in the early stages you can do a lot to slow its progress and well done for stopping smoking. That is always a good move whether you have COPD or not.

[Joaniemdc in reply to mrsmummy]

Yes good for you

I'm stage 4 and try to keep busy by walking ( slowly) with my hand pac portable Oxygen

[jezz09]

Would someone who has copd be able to do that level of exercise? I don't have any of the other symptoms such as cough, excess phlegm (I do get the very odd bit, not excess though), I don't get infections. I haven't had the chest tightness since being off work.

[mrsmummy in reply to jezz09]

Some people with COPD run marathons, others cannot climb stairs. Some get copious amounts of mucus and some none at all. There is a huge variation in symptoms and exercise ability. The only person who can answer your question as to whether or not you have COPD is your doctor. Anyone else can only guess, which is not helpful and may be dangerous by stopping you seeking the correct medical diagnosis for any symptoms you may have.

[Joaniemdc in reply to jezz09]

Everyone is different. Just check with your Doctor first. It's a good idea to have a pulmonary function test done as well.

[corriena in reply to jezz09]

Yes somone with copd could do that amount of exercise i read a artical about a marathon runner with copd we are not all the same even if we have the same illness. You must get checked out by your GP good luck i realy hope you dont have this crule desiese

[Hidden]

Hi Jezz welcome. You need to make an appointment for your GP and go through the tests before you can be diagnosed with copd. Yes in answer to your question I'm 59 run between 3 and 5 k daily as well as walking so yes we can exercise and go to the gym but we are all unique and different in our own way and individuals are at varying stages. But go see your GP and get sorted take care x

[Mairap in reply to Hidden]

Oh my God! Can you do all these things?? Congrats!!

[Nottobad]

As Mrsmummy says the only way you will find out if your symptoms are to do with copd is to see your gp. I have stage 3 copd and go to the gym. Even though I am breathless doing it as I won't let it control me. Take care

[jezz09]

Thanks for the reply's guys. Much appreciated

[piping in reply to jezz09]

jezz hello!Am a 59 yo with stage 4 My FEV is 27 % and I am not on oxygen. I try and spend 30 minutes 4 days per week on the treadmill set on the lowest level.Feel this has been my saving grace...feel the more you push yourself with exercise the better, even like it feels it is exhausting you.

[Hidden]

Hi it would be very unusual for someone of 28 to have copd. Not unheard of though. Usually it is caused by decades of heavy smoking. I agree though if you have any concerns you need to see your doctor as we can't possibily diagnose you on here.

[jezz09]

Quick question, would someone who smoked for years but does not have copd still have reduced lung function? Would they still do well on the spirometry and would this mean they avoided serious lung damage when smoking?

[Nottobad in reply to jezz09]

Hard to answer that one. Even people who have never smoked or been in smoky environment can have a diagnosis of COPD. And not all smoker get COPD.

[girliegirl2012]

That's how I feel with asthma. Not trying to tell you what to do, but a Pulmonologist which is a lung specialist, would be where I would go. He could answer your questions and provide you with a pulmonary function test, aka: PFT or Spirometry test, and go from there. You are young and congratulations on stopping smoking. That puts you on the right track!