Hi everyone, I'm very interested in your posts and opinions.
I am aware that no one is medically qualified but would just like to know your thoughts on the below:
I was ill with pneumonia like symptoms and then recovered sort of and 6 months later had more chest issue's or breathing issue's. Went to Dr's got sent for chest X ray which showed nothing, later another 6 months went past and I saw a Dr finally again... was advised that I would be sent for another scan... however, due to covid was told it was not able to happen. A consultant just advised that I may have Asthma or COPD, very likely to be copd as was a wheezing coming from somewhere. Anyway tried how many combo inhalers with LABA's and had major side effects of all of them. Absolute nightmare. I eventually got in touch with a AN and she advised just to try a ICS as my symptoms indicated asthma and maybe not copd, the consultant may have just advised that to cover all angles etc, and to keep and monitor a PF which I have been doing along with taking Clenil... she said if ventolin makes a difference then its likely to be asthma. I have been monitoring and ventolin does make a difference? So i have an appointment come through finally for a full lung function Pulmonary Test ... is there anything specific I should ask for to find out further info? Could this all be actually anxiety related... I find deep belly breathing does help... have I just got inhalers for nothing etc??
Should I specifically ask for the reversibility option too and what does this cover?
My symptoms are:
No cough, no mucus, just breathlessness on exertion... back pains at times, been feeling it more since bein on Clenil for 2 weeks... my anxiety seems to be raised on this ICS too so can't win...
Would love to know your thoughts please? 👍
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Ami40
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Its possible to have both asthma and COPD and anxiety. You are noticing benefit from ventolin inhaler and you have a wheeze, both these could indicate asthma, its possibly you only have asthma and anxiety but its also possible you have copd as well.
I'm not sure what you are referring to regarding ICS?
Really it depends on all the symptoms you are presenting to indicate what tests are required and that can only be advised through the GP or respiratory Consultant. I would request referral to a respiratory specialist.
Good you are having a full lung function test, recommend get copies of all tests. I don#t know Clenil so can't advise but do speak with your doctor if you think this med is impacting on your anxiety levels.
If you want to check the difference between asthma and COPD go here;
The wheeze has almost gone completely, I used to get pains in my back and this comes back sometimes, ventolin seems to ease this a bit... the ICS I am using is just a steroid only, no LABA so not combi inhaler, I was advised to try this as I was prescribed combi inhalers right fron the start and had many major side effects so came off them, but I may not even have copd so was advised by AN to start ICS Clenil and monitor PF...
Yes, I've hit a full PT coming up and will get full copy of records, so would that definitely show if Asthma or copd etc? I just don't like the idea of taking all these inhalers or meds of its just Anxiety... as it will definitely not have an impact on it would it?
No the lung function tests measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange. This information can help toward a diagnosis and help decide what treatment.
My late onset asthma was switched on after I contracted pneumonia years ago, but I had often become breathless on exertion from being a child .....just as my mother, grandmother and daughters . I have tried combination inhalers and they do not suit me , now I have two separate a preventer, Qvar and reliever. But typically for me I can’t take too much Ventolin either , I can judge if my peak flow deteriorates and get professional help quickly .
I had chest and back pains for a long time after pneumonia, but I also fractured two ribs coughing , and got inflammation of the intercostal muscles as well.
Ask about a pneumonia injection , see if it’s suitable for you yet.
Ask about a asthma/COPD plan, how to monitor yourself, what to do if you feel worse , a rescue pack etc.
I was diagnosed later with COPD/ asthma and have anxiety as well .
I use gentle breathing techniques, relaxation exercises and meditation to help.
Ask if your breathing pattern can be monitored.....breathing rate, which part of your lungs you are using.....I was tight top of chest breathing ...nose or mouth breathing . Breathing pattern when talking, at rest . My friends gp noticed tight breathing when she was discussing difficult topics.
Talking on the phone makes me cough....it alters breathing pattern.
If breathless on exertion or talking, stop, relax get control of your breath.....then continue gentle , gentle nose breathing.
The BLF have a helpline , open during the working week for UK residents on 03000 030 555. They also have information on their website.
Hi knitter, yes exactly the same as you. Combi inhalers do not agree with me and I have Clenil and Ventolin too... don't usually have to take the Ventolin but only on bad days really... yes will ask about the pneumonia jab as I think it's probably best I do in winter as that's when I caught ot first... I think I haven't really recovered since I got it the first time and it's been lingering or something maybe! Yes is the GP I ask about a rescue pack etc... no one has mentioned this to me so far... who do I ask to monitor my breathing etc? I think I will definitely have to look into gentle nose breathing! I have breathlessness on exertion sometimes not much at all, back pains too and occasionally chest pains... can this be helped in any way? 👍
Welcome to the forum. It's good that you're getting the tests which should tell you what's going on. Gentle breathing exercises are a good idea, whatever the cause of your problems.
Hi Ami - you ask reversibility involves. After the first set of PFTs are finished you will be asked to take two (probably) blasts of your ventolin inhaler then you will be sent to the waiting room for around 20 minutes, then the tests will be repeated. If you have asthma there should be a significant change for the better in your results, especially the fev1 (forced expiratory volume in one second - i.e. a hard blow out).
Hope you find out soon from the tests you are having what the problem is. My husband has been waiting for a year for a spirometry test. He was put on clenil and it didn’t help. He was taking a lot of puffs from his ventolin inhaler to get through the day too.Breathlessness is bound to raise anxiety and with that comes all sorts of pains. Good luck, let us know what they say about your tests. Cx
Hi Ami40 I was diagnosed with COPD/Asthma in October 2019. Had breathing problems for a while. Had spirometer test to confirm. Was given ventolin and various different powdered inhaler’s 4 or five different ones all did not agree with me at all. During lockdown the nurse had a look at my notes and said oh you have Asthma as well as COPD we can give you Fostair to try. Found it suits me have ventolin as emergency relief. My Anxiety is high also due to on going conditions and COVID-19. Had a ct scan five or six weeks ago for ongoing stomach problems. When doctor told me the results he said they have confirmed you have Emphysema although I guessed that’s what I had it took me back just hearing him say it. So I would carry on using the inhaler until you have confirmation. ⏱
Hi timepiece, yes I've tried a few powdered ones and they don't agree with me, fostair made anxious and few other side effects too so I had to get off it... yes I've asked for a ct scan as chest xray didn't show anything really twice now... can I ask what were your symptoms for emphysema please? As I'm just on Clenil at the moment I don't think that would tackle emphysema issue's as its just for asthma which maybe what I have according to the AN so may not need fostair or any other combo inhaler which was causing me major issues first!
Hi Ami40 symptoms were just unable to breathe when walking uphill up stairs walking fast get out of breath very easily. Since being diagnosed in 2019 my condition has got worse unfortunately I am quite scared of my future with this condition. My Ct scan also showed bowel disease and a split liver and ballooned blood vessels. I am now waiting an MRI to see what is going on. Been off work since mid December cannot see me being able to continue with my job.
Hope you get some answers soon the not knowing is the worst ⏱
Hi timepiece, I'm sorry to hear that, can I ask how old you are at all please and is it just the emphysema that's getting worse or is it due to the other issues you have too? Do you get out of breath doing jobs around the house etc with the copd or is that possible just with Asthma too? Yes I need to know what I have and then can proceed etc... did you not need a ct scan when you were diagnosed with emphysema or the copd etc? Dif you smoke or are you currently smoking etc? How do you manage when you get out of breath etc too please? Were there any other symptoms apart from Breathlessness etc please?
Hi Ami40 I have just had my 60th. I had spirometer test in 2019 was struggling a bit when walking Etc when results came back was just told had COPD/ ASTHMA overlap stage 2 which is moderate was given phenomena jab straight away alway have flu jab every year at work anyway. Was given long acting inhaler and ventolin. Took a year to get inhaler to suit me without making things worse. Unfortunately they do not send you for CT. only had a CT scan due to severe Abdominal pain. Which is when they confirmed I had Emphysema bowel disease hernia Gerd etc. I do struggle with jobs around the house talking eating out of breath. Do not know if Asthma only cause the same symptoms.Smoked for 40 years and worked with chemicals in my job for 32 years both have taken their toll. Have not smoked for 7 or 8 years. Get very tired have to take things slow ⏱
Hi thanks for your response, I've recently tried stopping smoking but have relapsed like once a week but smoking mullen leaf instead of tobacco just so I stay off tobacco and nicotine! It's great to know that hopefully the spirometry will let me know what's actually going on... yes I just don't know of its anxiety making this worse or is my condition worsening? Mainly breathlessness, pains in back and sometime in either side of chest but not too bad... does this sound like asthma or copd to you please, I know you're not medically qualified but would lv to know your thoughts etc...do you have brinchitis or emphysema for the copd area?
Thank you, can I ask how old you are please and when you were diagnosed? Do you have a smoking history? How do you deal with your breathlessness? Yes, is it possible to get breathlessness with just being asthmatic at all? When I'm walking I seem to be OK for now but whenever do something with a bit of force, I get breathless and can't really manage it, I'm 40 yes old with small children and it's a nightmare as can't do simple things like carry them around or do things with them like playing etc? I just can't tell what it is, so I'm glad I'm going for a spirometry and that will shed some further light, I'm just worries that I'm on a steroid only which tackles asthma and not copd etc... combi inhalers didn't agree with me at all! Hoping I don't need to get back on them! Can I ask what meds you take too please?
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