Diagnosis

[Leesea]

If I had copd would it show on a chest X-ray? Am still not sure why I have been told I have developed asthma. Is it likely to become copd?

This really on my mind

[O2Trees]

A chest xray is insufficient to diagnose copd Leesea.

This is done through lung function tests, spirometry being the crucial one where your fev1 (forced expiratory volume in one second, i.e. all you can blow out in one second) will be used to diagnose and 'stage' copd. Then a CT scan will show the precise damage to the lungs, but not everyone gets offered one, especially at the mild stage.

Why do you think you might have copd? Asthma can be a risk for copd but definitely not inevitable. Copd develops due to long term inhalation of pollutants - smoking and/or occupational and environmental pollutants, plus it's also often helped along by a genetic predisposition.

[Leesea in reply to O2Trees]

Because I was a life long smoker!

Also worked in smoky environments.

I haven’t felt normal since the pneumonia. However, spirometer said my lung function appropriate for my age!

However, I seem to breathe differently. I see on this site that somebwere diagnosed copd from X-ray.

[O2Trees in reply to Leesea]

You've had the standard test for copd - spirometry - and it's good news your lung function is normal for your age. An X-ray is not a test for copd and anyone who says they were diagnosed solely from an X-ray is misinformed. It may be that an X-ray could indicate the possibility of copd to an experienced healthcare practitioner but it could never be definitive.

Did you know that only 20% of smokers end up with copd?

Like many here Ive had very serious pneumonia and it takes ages to get back to normal. If you've been diagnosed with asthma, then you will of course have times when your breathing feels different, that would be natural. Assuming you're safe to exercise, work out a gentle routine and build up - that will help your fitness get back to normal.

[Shancock]

No, a high tea CT scan and lung function test are the two crucial things you need to have for correct diagnosis. Chest X-rays show little to be honest apart from infection patches but that's all a GP can do so it's the first test really.

[Shancock in reply to Shancock]

Oh dear I mean high res ct scan

[Christina1941]

Hello Leesea.

COPD is not a disease in itself, it is a blanket term that covers several diseases, Emphysema, Asthma, Bronchitis etc., so you need to have a spirometry test done before you will know if you have COPD. because it does not show up on an xray.

Please try not to worry too much, if your doctor has told you that you have asthma then that is probably what it is. You can ask to have a spirometry test done and that will give both your doctor and you more information. Take care, and try not to worry xx

[Leesea in reply to Christina1941]

Thankyou.

I had spirometer tests done , once at Gp surgery when I was very ill.... this said copd.... twice at the hospital both of which said asthma.

Consultant said asthma. I still worry they are wrong.

[Christina1941 in reply to Leesea]

Well they are both right really, Asthma comes under the umbrella of COPD. I have emphysema which also comes under COPD, as I said earlier COPD is not an illness on its own it is a blanket term for several different illnesses. Please try not to worry, it will just make you more anxious. I think you need to have a talk to your doctor or a pulmonary nurse who will explain it much better than I can xx

[Uzor]

Like you,I was told by my GP that I have COPD,following a lung test.

I was referred to the Lung consultant,and was told I have Asthma- one year after being treated with inhalers for COPD.

[Leesea]

I found the inhalers for copd made me cough more. I am fine in Fostair. I have recently bought a Himalayan salt lamp. I have stopped sneezing?