COPD OR ASTHMA?

[lisa_green67]

Hi I'm new to this so hope I'm posting in the right place! I've had a couple of really terrible chest infections with nasty coughs. GP did a lung function test and said I have the lungs of a 74 year old (I'm 50) as the results were 'borderline' I'm recording peak flow readings for 2 weeks and then they will decide whether I have mild COPD or Asthma.. I am really worried!! My readings are between 200-250 although the odd time it's been 140 once 300 but on average 200-250.. that's really bad right?? 😭 I was given a blue inhaler salbutamol and have used it a few times which has helped but normally don't need it.. I'm coughing up (sorry to be so graphic!) dark green phlegm every time I cough or clear my throat.. I have smoked pretty much all my adult life with a break of 11 years 10 years ago and I've now given up again (4 days smoke free! Go me!!)

Should I be worried? Im hoping it's asthma which is bad enough but if it is COPD. Im really scared 😔

Anyone have any advice I'm sick with worry?

Thanks

[oooodicky]

Packing in smoking will give you green sputum your salbutamol will help loosen your phlegm on chest but if it gets worse you need antibiotics and steroids to clear it up, don’t start smoking again you’ll make your conditioning worse try and relax when you do things it’s easier on your breathing hope this helps you take care. Richy.

[lisa_green67 in reply to oooodicky]

Thanks sound advice!

[oooodicky in reply to lisa_green67]

No problem tnx.

[Hidden]

So sorry for you Lisa..I have no idea but doctors know how to distinguish one from the other by looking at your functions tests.

What an awful thing to say to you..how uncaring..

Being sick is scary but you seem in good hands despite the bedside manner 😉 doctors are investigating at least so you should know soon and get the appropriate treatment. Medicine is making wonders nowadays, we can be sick and live a more comfortable life once treated.

I am glad the Salbutamol helps when needed.

Take good care in the meantime and let us know how it goes x

[Hidden]

Hi, welcome to the forum, but sorry you need to be here. There is a lot of info on the BLF website, plus a free helpline. blf.org.uk/

03000 030 555

There are a number of Lung conditions as well as Asthma and COPD. I have Bronchiectasis (not smoking related) which can only be diagnosed with a CT scan. Don't worry about being graphic, we've all been there. Have you given a sputum sample to find out if you have a chest infection? If so, you should have been given anti-biotics, and/or steroids. I hope you get answers and the right treatment for your condition. Let us know how you get on. xxx

[Hidden]

Hi good to meet you. Doctors have always told me they find it very difficult to distinguish between asthma and copd in the very early stages. This is because most of the symptoms overlap.

I have asthma and copd and my best peak and flow figure is 350 and I am in my 60's so yours does sound low. Asthma (unless more severe) is reversible with meds which will show on the reversibility test.

Copd on the other hand is not reversible and using meds will not show an increase in your lung function. You said you have done a lung function test? Was this peak and flow or spirometry? The latter is used to diagnose copd.

Having said that I was diagnosed with early copd 4 years older than you and I still have the same lung function now. Whilst it is a progressive disease it doesn't usually progress quickly especially if you lead a healthy lifestyle. My doctor told me on diagnosis that something else would get me first ie old age. Most people these days die with copd rather than from it.

I hope you are feeling a bit more reassured now.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Oh and there is a great stop smoking site on here called Quit if you need more support and help with stopping smoking.

[lisa_green67 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks liladlil!

Don't know what the test was called .. in using a peak flow meter at home so I know what that is but the other one I had the practice nurse did.. I had to keep blowing into this machine.. shirt fast blows then long slow blows.. then they gave me some salbutamol inhaler and 15 mins later did the same 'blows' again.. then she printed it all out.. she said it looked borderline asthma/copd.. does that sound like a spirometry test? I'm clueless!!

I got myself a vape! The idea is to gradually decrease the amount of nicotine until I don't need it at all.. I think I will get other support though I think I may need it.. quite proud of myself to have actually done it though cos I really do enjoy a cigarette! 😐

[Leesea in reply to lisa_green67]

Hi lisa

I had a diagnosis of copd from the practice nurse but when I did the reversibility test at the hospital my results improved a lot once I had inhaled a blue inhaler. So, they say I have asthma.

This is a great site with lots of helpful advice. My diagnosis is a shock but you will begin to feel better once they have your meds’ right. I feared I would never breathe easily again.

Keep going back if you don’t improve, you may have an infection.

Good luck

[Carnival567]

I've had peak flow readings of 250 ish for donkey's years and I am still here at 74! Probably got the lungs of a 150 year old. Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do, and please try not to panic, we are all on your side xx