Constant chest infections

[Lynnstez]

Hi had two chest infections I. The last four months,should have had thyroid removed but due to this infection couldn’t have the op,my mom died of COPD But when I mention this to the docs they just dismiss it beacuaw I’ve never been a smoker,I’m sick of feeling sick,coughing non stop,loss of voice etc should I be concerned about this

[O2Trees]

We are not able to diagnose you Lynnstez but I can tell you what comes to mind reading your post. First of all 20% of people with copd have never smoked so your doctor has no business being dismissive to you. Secondly have you ever talked to your doctor about the possibility of reflux? Non-stop coughing, feeling sick and voice loss can all come from this - the acid can get into your trachea and affect your voice box, and some people with reflux never get the classic symptoms like heartburn. You must speak to your GP and be insistent that your symptoms are investigated. Take care.

[Lynnstez in reply to O2Trees]

I have had reflux In the past but only a couple of weeks ago had an endoscopy just showed a small patch of gastritis so don’t think this is the cause,

[O2Trees in reply to Lynnstez]

I think that silent reflux, which is the kind which gets into your voice box and causes hoarseness, probably wouldn't show up on an endoscopy which is designed to reveal damage to the oesophagus or stomach. A referral to an ENT specialist would be useful for discussing this - they can look at your voice box and see if there's anything going on. I hope you get to the bottom of these nasty symptoms.

[hypercat54]

Hi I agree with O2. Not all copders have been smokers. There are other causes of it such as being around smokers a lot especially whilst a child, working in certain industries ie the rag trade and so on. In the 3rd world it's usually caused by pollution and open fires in people's homes.

In your position I would ask for a spirometry test which is the definitive one to determine whether you have copd or asthma. Good luck and I really hope you don't have anything wrong. x

[Lynnstez in reply to hypercat54]

Thanks for the reply and i will defo as for the test you mentioned,

[Robin77]

I have COPD among other things. Never smoked, was never exposed to occupational hazards, no smoke around me growing up, no severe childhood infections. Definitely keep asking about the symptoms that are worrying you! I do hope you feel better soon and that everything will turn out OK.

[Lynnstez]

The thing is i was exposed to smoke both my parents smoked and so did my husband,but doc says because I haven’t I can’t have copd,all I can describe is the noise which is either in my chest or upper airways sounds like popping candy then a high pitches noise ,coughing up white mucus this time not much green the infection I had a few weeks ago o was coughing up blood stained mucas