Emphysema

[Cycyy]

Hi all, I was here to ask about my mother who is newly diagnosed emphysema via CT, but the doctor was only satisfied with ct and did not ask for other tests. I want to ask what tests are needed to know the stage and is CT sufficient for the diagnosis?

[Ern007]

Hi, I have Emphysema and never had a CT. Mr Doctor gave me a physical and knew what I had and was send off with a Duovent Inhaler. (Now Withdrawn) Later Chest X Rays and Lung Function test confirmed his diagnosis. I wish you and your mother well, I would think a CT pretty conclusive.

[Cycyy in reply to Ern007]

Thank you for your reply i wish you health i understand but can the only ct scan detect what stage my mother is or we have to do another tests

[soppysokes in reply to Cycyy]

Is mum hasn’t had it yet a spirometer tests at GP that would give indication how well lungs are doing, but it’s not a golden nugget. 1 person with poor result could be doing ok another not so it’s down also a great deal to the individual. A ct scan is pretty much conclusive and far more informative than X-ray.

[Cycyy in reply to soppysokes]

The dr say to her if you stop smoking will still the same and not progresses but he didnt order any other test then ct scan

[Ern007 in reply to Cycyy]

I stopped smoking and my Asthma caused by COPD did improve. IMO and only an opinion. Stopping smoking very much slows down COPD but, being is is cronic it will progress but very much slower that keeping smoking.. I stopped smoking and I am still here 20 years later...soppysokes is right, a CT scan tells more than an XRay and probably your mother with have yearly spirometer test with her GPs asthma nurse to see how well her lungs are functioning.. This is where stopping smoking is important. Her lung function is almost certainly improved by stopping smoking..

[Cycyy in reply to Ern007]

We have to change the dr he seems doesn't care so much to order spirometer test he read the ct which shown she have emphysematous lesion and just told her stop smoke and use inhaler you will be okay

[peege in reply to Cycyy]

That's good and important advice - hope they gave suggestions on how to quit.

[soppysokes in reply to Cycyy]

Also if it was a recent ct scan it’s very likely your go hasn’t yet had a letter from the hospital or clinic it was done in. Very often this takes a month or so. If any recommendations are made to your gap he/she will do follow up requirements and prescribe if necessary.

[Cycyy in reply to soppysokes]

Thank you very much for your time to answer me. We will ask your doctor to have her breathing measured

[CDPO16]

Hi, a CT scan will definitely identify emphysema and enable that diagnosis to be made. A Spirometry test shows the level of lung function someone and is an indicator of the stage of COPD (an umbrella term for chronic bronchitis and emphysema). That said knowing the stage isn't as important as stopping smoking if a smoker, eating healthily and staying as active as possible. A blood test would show if your mum has a genetic deficiency (alpha -1-antitrypsin deficiency) which can be the cause of younger people although usually younger than your mum.

Your mum may benefit from a pulmonary rehabilitation course if her GP will refer her. These are courses involving education on COPD along with an exercise programme, within someone's ability, that can then be maintained at home at the end of the course. The BLF also has a range of information leaflets along with exercise advice.

[Cycyy in reply to CDPO16]

Thank you for your advice very much. Do not stop smoking improves breathing ability because it feels shortness of breath always. does not get worse but it does not improve

[Teddyjonothon in reply to Cycyy]

I noticed a shortness of breath in 2007 but it took me 2years to stop smoking by which time it was a lot worse,she has to badger her doctor to see a respiratory consultant , and to have a proper lung function test at the hospital,it’s true if you don’t ask you don’t get nowadays ,it’s taken me years to get to see one ,it wasn’t until i had fluid on the right lung that i finally got to see one ,now after thoracic surgery i’m hoping i can get zephyr valves inserted into my lungs that help the air flow which improves your breathing,not everyone is suitable for this ,and i believe it can take months before you are approved,i wish her well.

[Cycyy in reply to Teddyjonothon]

Thank you for your time i hope you get better soon

[Teddyjonothon in reply to Cycyy]

Thank you

[Teddyjonothon]

It was 2008 when i was diagnosed with chronic emphysema ,and no i have stopped smoking since 2009.roughly 6 weeks ago i really went down hill,fluid on my right lung,had it drained it helped by was only running around 60% of what i was prior ,after a ct scan the consultant wanted me to then have a pet scan after which he wanted a biopsy basically it’s called thoracic surgery, just home yesterday but very short of breath now

[peege in reply to Teddyjonothon]

Hope you feel better soon Teddyjonothan

[Teddyjonothon]

Many thanks

[annenic]

I was diagnosed by X-ray & CT, I assumed my stage was 2nd as its usually at this stage before you show any symptoms. It's been over 5yrs and the condition hasn't gotten much worse, I had stopped smoking pre diagnosis and this is a huge help in slowing down the progression of the disease x

[Cycyy in reply to annenic]

Thank you. It is the best way to slow down the disease is to stop smoking. I hope you stay healthy

[Hidden]

I had clubbed fingers, so my DR sent me for blood tests, CT of lungs, Lung function test, and ECG. But she knew just from the CT scan i had emphysema.. and the Lung Function test showed what stage.

[Cycyy in reply to Hidden]

Sorry for asking but what stage you are?

[Hidden in reply to Cycyy]

Stage 2 and im 45yo

[Cycyy in reply to Hidden]

Sorry to hear that i wish you to stay healthy

[Hidden in reply to Cycyy]

Thank you! I know it is scary for you and your Mum.. And i remember telling my DR i didnt really feel all the signs of it.. till she diagnosed me and drew my attention to it all.. Sometimes.. ignorance is bliss.. and anxiety about it all does make it feel worse. Yes everyone says to Quit smoking.. but i also know myself how hard this is, esp when you suffer from anxiety and are used to using smoking to relieve it. I am still trying my best to Quit.. Have cut my smoking in half via vaping.. Tell your Mum to try and not stress over it. To make sure she keeps exercising as much as possible, and try and eat well. Baby steps.. Everything you google is really depressing on it.. So try not to read too much on the net.. All the best to you and your Mum. xxx

[Cycyy in reply to Hidden]

Yes with you right and also happened with my mother had mild symptoms, but she became obsessed when she was diagnosed and yet still trying to stop smoking. The anxiety also increased. Thank you and I hope you live a healthy life. What is the name of the vape you use to stop smoking?

[Hidden in reply to Cycyy]

Im using a sky solo vaporesso. You can get juice with Nicotine in it which really helps stop the craving.. However.. there is no evidence that vaping is better for you.. but at least you dont have the tar etc in it. I use tobacco flavoured juice also.. and tell her (if she decides to try it.. to breath it in very slowly and not much.. till she is used to it!) But the ultimate goal here is to Quit both Vaping and smoking. Because.. lets face it.. it is the best way to go to slow down and prevent emphysema from progressing. I have seen many people on this sight mention Alan Carr's book helped them Quit.. so im also going to check that out. I also saw a post that if you get a craving for a cigarette.. to put a bit of salt on your tongue and that will fix the craving? So i hope this all helps! Thinking of both you and your Mum and i really hope it all works out for her. xxx And she is very lucky to have such a caring child in you! xxx

[Cycyy in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much I will look for this vaping because she could not stop yet but relaxed a lot about before and the doctor described her gum nicotine and said it is good name nicoret and I wish you the best you too xxx

[Hidden in reply to Cycyy]

The gum isnt very nice! The patches would work so much better! xx

All the very best! xxx