Copd

[Denae011]

Hi how does someone get diagnosed with copd? What tests are used and how do Drs come to this diagnosis. Thank you

[Denae011]

Ah ok. And do u know the readings for that? And do people with copd have lower oxygen levels? My friend has been told she has this but hasn’t been given much information at all. Just 2 inhalers.

[Superzob in reply to Denae011]

This is all very vague and unsatisfactory. There are various causes (and none) for COPD, but it basically means that you have irreversibly poor lung function compared to the average person of your age, gender and build. Your friend may have an asthma component (as I do), which IS reversible, and the normal treatment would be a dual corticosteroid/bronchodilator preventer inhaler and a "rescue" inhaler (usually Ventolin - so-called "blue" inhaler) if you get breathing problems.

If your friend has just COPD (spirometry would have ruled out asthma), then s/he may be given a different inhaler with an antimuscarinic in it, because excessive lung mucous is often a symptom of COPD.

Hope this is some help. You can't cure COPD because it simply refers to a more advanced lung degeneration than the average population (though there may be an underlying cause), but you can treat it. COPD is often only diagnosed after symptoms appear, because there is no routine lung function test in the UK. But I think your friend would do well to see a consultant to get a definitive explanation of his/her condition.

[Scottish65lass]

Spirometry test, get your friend to get an appointment with the asthma nurse, she should have more info available. I must admit when u was diagnosed I was given nothing, not even told about the flu jab.

No inhalers. Just told I’d have a check up in a year!!!! A lot of practices know very little about copd. This forum will help, everyone is willing to help and share their experiences good luck 💖

[flicky1]

I was diagnosed by scan, as was my mother.