Return of chest tightness.

[Randall1990]

Hi all.

I posted on here about 10 months ago to do with suffering with chest tightness for about 3 or 4 months. After getting clear on a chest X-ray and scoring 110 on a lung function test I went for a CT scan, the results showed the remenants of a bad chest infection. By this time I was starting to feel better and the tightness in my chest was getting better. I was put on Fostair while all this was going on and I have carried on taking it daily as a preventer. I have always suffered with really slight asthma so with that and having a infection the doctor said it would be a good idea to stay on it for a year or so. Anyway about 5 weeks a go the tightness has come back I have had a blood test to check for a infection in came back ok. I went to see the asthma nurse last week she has give me another inhaler called Spiriva. I take it in the morning It works for a few hours but by mid to late afternoon it starts wearing off and the Fostair isn’t working as good as it was. Infact yesterday my chest was really bad I must have used Fostair about 10 times. I’m wondering if they miss diagnosed me with the CT scan and I do actually have COPD. Also I have read you’re not meant to take inhalers before a lung function test but I wasn’t told that before i hade mine and used my inhaler that morning. Dose anyone know if they could mistake COPD for a infection when looking at the images of a CT scan or if inhalers can effect the results of a lung function test..? Thanks for taking your time to read this..

[mrsmummy]

Spiriva is supposed to last 24 hours. If you are using your inhaler much more often recently then you probably need to see your doctor for a reassessment.

[Randall1990 in reply to mrsmummy]

Hi yeah I read it supposed to last 24 hours and as for my inhaler I have only used it once today so each day varys. The only thing I done differently yesterday was have a couple glasses of wine with my Xmas dinner.

[Randall1990]

Can anyone tell me what mild COPD/Emphysema feels like or what the symptoms are. I’ve read whizzing, coughing, phlegm get out of breath quite easy and chest tightness. The only thing I feel is this tightness in my chest..?

[Hidden]

I think that it is time that you saw a good respiratory consultant. There are many lung conditions which can result in chest tightness, not only COPD. This needs to be investigated and tied down so that you get the right treatment, especially as you have a history of asthma. The fact that a ct scan showed the remnants of a bad chest infection indicates that the infection is still there and needs dealing with. It seems that the infection hasn’t been dealt with properly. We can’t diagnose and I’m afraid that GPs and respiratory nurses do not have the expertise to deal with the problems which you are experiencing. Don’t take no for an answer. Insist on the referral. It’s your ongoing health we are talking about.

[Randall1990 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for replying mate. Sorry the chest infection cleared up as far as I know because in August the symptoms returned and I went for a blood test which come back all ok no infection. Then the symptoms went again but now they’re back, so annoying. I have an appointment this morning I’m goong to ask for more test like a bronchoscopy and another lung function test as I used my inhaler the day of the last one and I’ve read it can effect the results..

[B0xermad]

Hi it certainly sounds like your chest has been scarred from the infection.and it can be a COPD diagnosis but also it takes months for recovery from all the infections. I left mine kept being fobbed off by doctor each time then 2 years on was told by a respiritory dept I had COPD and emphysema as well as asthma, bronchiectasis so push yourself on them for consultation with pulmonologist

[Randall1990 in reply to B0xermad]

Hi, I do not get any other symptoms apart from the tightness in my chest. I went to the doctors earlyer and writing a letter to the consultant I saw last time to go ahead and have this bronchoscopy. All the other test I had last time come back fine even a lung function test so hopefully this bronchoscopy will show something..

[B0xermad in reply to Randall1990]

It was a ct scan picked mine up but hopefully you Will get a result

[Randall1990 in reply to B0xermad]

I had a CT scan that is where the infection was picked up, I asked about COPD he said they cannot see anything to suggest that..

[B0xermad in reply to Randall1990]

Ok

[mellyme]

May I suggest that you see, if at all possible, a gastroenterologist? My heart checked out ok and the chest tightness was usually due to coughing, but when I wasn't coughing it still remained tight. Gastro found a hernia (esophageal) to rent next door to the emphy, but at least I knew, and presently treat it. Just a thought. I am by NO MEANS in the medical field, just my experience.

[Randall1990 in reply to mellyme]

Hi that’s not a bad shout as I do take Omeprozole for a reflux due to a perforated ulcer a few years ago I’ll ask the doctor if they can refer me to see a gastroenterologist if I do not get any luck with other test.

[mellyme]

Top of the New Year, friend.

[Ruskin2000]

Hi

I had the same chest tightness for months xray was normal.Lung function was normal.They did ct scan which showed a small amount of emphysema on it so I would say they would pick something up on ct scan for sure.I still get it but I have a big problem with acid reflux so looking into that aswell.Go back and see the doctor as you still might have a bit of a chest infection

[Randall1990 in reply to Ruskin2000]

Hi thanks for the info, Now I’m even more confused lol as I thought a spirometry test was a fall proof way of finding out. I had a CT scan a few months ago according to the doctor it was just showing the remenants of a infection. I too get acid reflux I take omeprazole for it, Mellyme suggested maybe going down that route..

[Ruskin2000 in reply to Randall1990]

Dont worry a ct scan would show even the smallest amount of empheysema im stage 0 but a lot of people with empheysema apparently can have normal spirometer if it was copd then your spirometer would be abnormal ct scan is the best test you can have so dont worry to much

[Randall1990 in reply to Ruskin2000]

Ok cool but I though COPD was an umbrella term for emphysema, bronchitis and things like that..?

[mrsmummy in reply to Randall1990]

That's right, COPD is an umbrella term for emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...