The past 6 or so years i have been waking up breathless after sleep.It takes around 1-2 hours for my normal breathing to come back. I am 23 have smoked for 7 years recently quit over 2 months ago after my doctor told me i had 71% lung function. i was diagnosed with asthma as a child but my breathing never really bothered me until 2014 when this post sleeping breathlessness began, I have had tests for sleep apena, acid reflux had an ECG etc. I regularly take my inhalers but they do not help with the morning breathlessness, i recently changed to a stronger inhaler and again did not help. I am worried that the breathlessness may be an indicator i have COPD or some form lung damage because of the years of smoking is it possible to have COPD at 23??
COPD AT 23? : The past 6 or so years i... - Lung Conditions C...
COPD AT 23?
Hi it is possible but extremely unlikely at your young age. If you are concerned though ask your doctor for a spirometry test. x
i had a spirometry test and my lung function was at 71 percent which was attributed to my Asthma however im just not convinced it is just my Asthma as inhalers don't help. Is there a way of telling from results if it's copd or astma. I am going to say this to my dr on next visit thanks for your reply 
Did they do the reversibility test? You do it first without inhalers, then again with them. Unless your asthma is severe, then if it is just this your scores would improve a lot on the 2nd go. Asthma is usually reversible with inhalers, but copd isn't.
Do you have very close family with copd as there can be a genetic link, but this is quite rare. The next step if the spirometry diagnosis is in doubt is to ask for a CT scan. This provides a much clearer picture.
I would also put your post in the asthma site on here to get their input too. x
I definitely think you need further investigations. It is very unlikely that you have COPD. There is a small cohort of patients who have Alpha-1-Anti-Tripsin-Deficiency. (I know, I know, it is a bit of a mouthful!) These patents develop emphysema very early and often have other problems. There are members here with that condition. There is a simple blood test for it. Would you feel comfortable asking your GP for that test? Have you had a CT scan? Have you been referred to a consultant? Sorry, a bit of an interrogation.
I wake very breathless, I think I know why. But I am half a century older than you!
Let us know how things go.
All the best
Granny Kate xxx 👵🏻
I developed chronic bronchitis by 22 after a year of smoking, so yeah it's possible, albeit rare.
I kave had it it since a trauma at birty.
Hi Lillyx, I smoked for 20 years since I was 12... I know, stupid! Anyhoo, I quit, then all of a sudden developed extreme breathlessness, tight chest etc, about 2 years after quitting, despite being very fit, running and going to the gym. This carried on for two years, I had several xrays, spirometery, full lung function tests, inhalers didn't work, corticosteroids such as prednisone didn't work. It was a nightmare, and dr google didn't help. Anyway, I got referred to pulmonologist who did a ct scan of my lungs, which were fine, and concluded it was asthma. After a while things improved, I'm now on a steroid inhaler and montelukast (a tablet), which both help. I still get tight chested now and then, but touch wood all is under control. With google etc, it's very easy to get carried away. I'd not worry until you get a diagnosis, then you can control what ever you have.
Hello Lillyx
I'm sorry to hear about your breathlessness anything can be possible but let's wait and see what doctors says get a appointment with specialist respiratory consultant regarding this via your doctor please. Can be over heavy somkeing and astma if you had in past in your child hood I'll advice it's best to stop smoking and have a healthy diet and exercise copd No but may be respiratory problems or broncechtisis or emphysema I think but let's wait and see hope it gets better Lilly.
I know cause I'm foxy and have copd broncechtisis emphysema respiratory type 2 broncechtisis I'm 33 years old.
Take care
Hi lillyx
I started with asthma in my 20s and often woke up with breathlessness. I had some allergy tests done and subsequently made my bedroom non allergenic... no carpets, new foam mattress and non allergenic bedding. It made a huge difference to my breathing.
I wouldn't worry about copd unless you also had other symptoms , eg more breathlessness than normal when you exercise, and you suffer from chest infections. But if that was the case I would probably ask yourGP for an xray next and a blood test to check for the gene variant of copd that someone mentioned earlier?
Hi UHelga, I’ve just done the same. After waking in the small hours recently, breathless, calling out emergency services twice,. Taking a couple of hours to recover I replaced all the bedding and dumped the old pillows, duvet, and mattress deep cleaned the carpet, bed frame and curtains and spayed the whole room and fitments with a Dettol Airosol.
What a difference. It took me 4 hours to complete the task. Still chesty in the morning, nothing new there, but a peaceful nights.
Hi hun I think it's possibly asthma my chest is always worse in a morning, you need to see your gp and plenty of exercise xx
Hi, l have asthma with good and bad times, usually because of a throat infection. Unfortunately in my experience it can depend on which GP you see. Have you been referred to a specialist as at one stage l was? Also, though it may seem trivial, it’s important to use inhalers correctly with, if possible, a Volumatic and waiting 30 seconds between each pump application then thoroughly rinsing your mouth out afterwards. The blue inhaler of course can be used, as instructed, any time you feel wheezy or breathless.
Take care and keep pushing your GP for help.
You are taking inhalers - the doctor prescribed these to you for? Asthma? Other?
Your GP can refer you for tests regarding COPD, spirometry, full lung functuion, CT scan also the Alpha 1 test to rule that out. Discussion with your doctor will be your best option, as only with the proper tests can COPD be eliminated or diagnosed.
Hey kid YES is the answer. We are only humans if we don’t take care of these bodies they break. Yes you are young at 23 but you had early asthma so that in an of itself makes you a candidate for CoPD. That’s what they tell me. I too have asthma AND CoPD. Oh and btw I also had a massive stroke at age 26 so yes things can happen whether we’re young,old or in between. Don’t smoke is my best advice for you. The cool kids don’t smoke anymore
Talk to your doctor, ask questions . Dont give up you have alot of life to live. In Gods journey that's just a bump in the road. Good luck & God Bless
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