Question for respiratory consultant

[Minkywhire]

Questions for respiratory consultant.

I've requested a respiratory consultation. I was diagnosed via a spirometry test with COPD level 2 (whatever that means) about two years ago but so far I've only met with a consultant relative to a hospital stay with pneumonia. He was very nice but his main concern was whether or not the pneumonia had cleared up...which is fair enough. However, I would like to meet with a specialist since I'm still unsure about my diagnosis and I'm generally a bit on the lost side.

What questions should I put to a consultant if I'm successful in achieving a referral?

Any sort of guidance would be helpful.

Thank you x

[Superzob]

Level 2 is moderate (50-80% lung function) - 50% might sound bad, but people can survive on one lung, and mine is 50% with few symptoms.

Now that the pneumonia has cleared, it would seem sensible to treat the COPD. I think there are disagreements amongst specialists about how useful this is in the absense of any symptoms, but my consultant was adamant that treatment helps reduce further stress on the lungs, thereby slowing progress. Some on this forum have definitely reported improvements and, if my experience is anything to go by, there have been improvements in lung function.

However, as I also have late onset asthma, my treatment might well be different from someone with only COPD, so it would not be appropriate for me to advise anything specific. But I hope this has given you some help in formulating some suitable questions.

[Minkywhire in reply to Superzob]

Thanks so much Superzob. I also have asthma which of course exacerbates the COPD. I'm pleased to now know that level 2 isn't quite as awful as I thought. Xx