COPD query

[Meganwilshaw]

Hello I am just wondering whether anyone could help me out.

I have had asthma from a young age so my breathing has never been the best as it is. My nan had COPD and both my dad and grandad have Emphysema. My grandad is still alive and doing okay despite only having one and a half lungs. My dad passed away in March of this year relating to his Emphysema, he was told that to have a good quality of life he would need a double lung transplant so as you can imagine his breathing was really really bad, on oxygen 24/7 etc.

Now I get out of breath doing virtually EVERYTHING. Walking is the worst especially if up hill I have physically struggle to take a breath.

I just did a Peak Flow test and my 3 readings ranged from 200-250, firstly is this bad or good?

I think I may have COPD and was just wondering what others thought or have gone through and what the next steps are in regards to getting diagnosed as surely it is abnormal for a 20 year old to have such weak lung power.

[VoodooChile]

Hi Megan

I think you need to see your GP as a matter of urgency. It could be a trigger making your asthma worse, that you need a change of medication, an infection or something else which is easily cured. With your family background I can understand that it is very easy to jump to conclusions, I would in your place. Get to your GP, who can examine you properly and take things forward.

I wish you the best of luck please let us know how you get on.

Regards

Andy

[Meganwilshaw in reply to VoodooChile]

Hello,

I have been in touch with my doctor who said that I would need to book an appointment with the asthma nurse to do some breathing tests. She also recommended I go on the brown inhaler so as the steroids could help me, so just need to go and get the prescription tomorrow. I get frequent chest infections too but always thought nothing of it

Thank you 😊

[VoodooChile in reply to Meganwilshaw]

Hi

I am pleased to hear that you have contacted your doctor. When you see the asthma nurse get him or her to check your inhaler technique; getting it right makes a big difference. My pharmacist checks my inhaler techniques once a year because we can all slip into bad habits on occasion. Most pharmacists offer it free, mine also does a survey at the same time to check my medication is meeting my needs.

When you get an infection make sure you see your doctor because some of them can be nasty. I have had one since the beginning of February and have just started making progress almost at the end of a 5 week course of stronger antibiotics via IV.

I wish you well and hope you have less problems in the future.

Andy

[Stumpy55]

I agree with VoodooChile, you need to see your G.P and explain all of what you have told us to him/her. Please don't suffer in silence, it is important to have the correct tests to put your mind at rest as well. Take care and keep Intouch? 🤞😉xx

[2greys]

"Walking is the worst especially if up hill I have physically struggle to take a breath." I have a little confusion in what you describe. With COPD the problem is with breathing out, but if you can't empty your lungs there is little room to breath in again (obstructive). With Asthma you have trouble breathing in but not out (restrictive).

Not wanting to frighten you but it is better to know. Given your family history with COPD and assuming your father passed away at a youngish age, which sounds as your main concern, when you see your GP ask to be tested for "alpha one antitrypsin defiency" which is a genetic form of COPD which effects younger people (which is rare) and a simple blood test can rule this out, otherwise at your age you would not suffer with COPD. You might well have developed exersise induced asthama.

Breathlessness has many causes other than COPD and Asthma but you are going to need a doctor to make a meaningful diagnosis.

Worrying about it will not help, only stress you out with anxiety, which actually makes your breathing all the worse.

[Dietrech]

I think you need a referral to a pulmonary consultant. You are so young, only the best care will be adequate. Your GP may not want to refer you but due to your age it is essential. Also the hospital has more up to date equipment such as lung function machine, CT scanner, X-ray and will take appropriate bloods. This is your life please don’t be fobbed off. You need an expert to diagnose you and plan your best course. Even consider having an appointment privately then have all following appts with the NHS!

Best wishes xx