Just a question??

[Gina1972]

Does having copd mean i will end up with emphysema? 😳

[stone-UK]

Hi

COPD is a umbrella term for emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Ask your GP for a decisive diagnosis.

[Gina1972 in reply to stone-UK]

Ok will do thankyou

[Catnip]

Greetings

Sad to say, you probably already have emphysema: it's the old name for COPD. Just remember -- it isn't a death sentence!

Catnip

[Gina1972 in reply to Catnip]

Oh no 😫 hate that word!! It makes it sound so much worst..... Just have to pull myself together and deal with it like a big girl lol... Thanks catnip

[purdeyspringer in reply to Gina1972]

Emyphysema is due to smoking. I have stage 4. I travel and do lots of things. Dont give in to it. If you get breathless stop and rest. Im 68 this year and stopped smoking 3 years ago.

[Gina1972 in reply to purdeyspringer]

Thanks purdeyspringer... I don't know what stage mine is and ive been smoking for many years and still do. My own worst enemy lol

[Symes]

Hi Gina. The BLF have lots of info on their website. blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

They also have a helpline you can call on 03000 030555 for more help and advice too 😊

Symes x

[Gina1972 in reply to Symes]

Thanks symes 👍

[shadow4me]

I always thought that if you have COPD you have Emphasemia to but i was recently told that this is not the case you can have COPD without the Emphasemia ?Whether its true i dont know but i was told by a expert on lungs x

[Gina1972 in reply to shadow4me]

Oooww I really hope your right there lol...x

[Hidden in reply to shadow4me]

COPD is the term used for emphysema or chronic bronchitis, some people have a bit of both some just one or the other. However I was told by NHS medical staff recently that its just being referred to as COPD now, personally I don't agree because chronic bronchitis and emphysema is different lung damage but I guess because some people have a bit of both and the symptoms can be very similar* the treatment therefore is similar, so just referring to both as COPD not specifically one or the other.

* (although with emphysema generally I believe there is less mucus production than there is with Chronic Bronchitis) With Bronchiectasis there is also a lot of mucus production, however bronchiectasis does not come under the banner of COPD until the powers that be decide it does ha ha

I wouldn't stress too much about emphysema, the main thing is avoiding the bugs during winter months. See if you can get on a course for pulmonary rehabilitation, its a lung exercise and education programme. it will help you understand things and how to manage symptoms better. Doc referral

[Gina1972 in reply to Hidden]

I am just worried about things all the time but thanks for your reply 👍

[Hidden in reply to Gina1972]

When newly diagnosed it is a worrying time, we all go through that stage, the PR course reduces some of that worry, the more you understand about COPD and how best to manage it the less you stress and worry about it.

[Gina1972 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks bkin 😃

[Roysieboy in reply to Hidden]

Hello Bkin. I must wholeheartedly agree with it last statement about Pulmonary rehab. I have been going once a week since last August and it makes me feel so much better. I also do the exercises at home. So to anyone else that reads this, try to get onto Pulmonary rehab, u do as much or as little as u can cope with, you meet others who r in a similar boat and the staff r very good and understanding. I also go to my Pulmonary rehab clinic about every 6 weeks when they have new intakes and explain to them how Pulmonary rehab has helped me. Good luck to u all. 👍🤓

[purdeyspringer]

No you only get Emyphysema if you smoke. Or have smoked. COPD covers most chest related problems or lung problems

[Hidden in reply to purdeyspringer]

You may want to check out BLF Pages about the different lung conditions for better clarity purdeyspringer

blf.org.uk/support-for-you

COPD doesn't cover most chest related problems but it does cover a couple.

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

[Healthy24680]

I was diagnosed with COPD and my doctor said : thank God you don’t have emphysema. I suppose it’s not a must to have it

[Gina1972]

It sure is 👍