allergy or COPD

[confusedlung]

I was told in 2013 that I had COPD I've since caught COVID 4 times I have c02 levels 97 and up ive had 2 chest xrays that shows no chronic illness they are clear...this has been 10 years was i misdiagnosed?

[Hoobs]

Xrays don't show lung damage usually unless it's severe. You would be best to ask your GP for a spirometry test, this is the only way to diagnose the condition. Lung damage is often picked up on CT scans but unless spirometry is used to prove obstruction, COPD cannot be diagnosed.

[confusedlung in reply to Hoobs]

in 2013 i had a episode and went to ER where 4 days later after testing and questions that i had COPD that was 10 years ago. I recently had two Xrays that shows no disease....i understand a CT is better but after 10 years your xray should not be perfect

[Troilus]

How were you diagnosed in the first place confusedlung?

[Ern007 in reply to Troilus]

I think confusedlung was saying he was diagnosed with two Xrays 10 years ago.

[confusedlung in reply to Ern007]

no i was asked questions and i took a test.....i believe all these inhalers are messing me up because i have allergic asthma not COPD after 10 years my lungs should look terrible

[confusedlung in reply to Troilus]

in a er i was a smoker stopped in 2008 the ER told me I have COPD but im here 10 years later with Un diseased lungs

[Troilus in reply to confusedlung]

It’s possible you were misdiagnosed- initially I was. However, much of the meds for copd are the same as for asthma eg Fostair, salbutomol and Spivira Respimat.

To check it out you could start to keep a graph of your peak flow - well two graphs really on the same page - the top line is your reading after meds and the bottom line is your reading before meds. This way, a GP can easily see the difference.

[confusedlung in reply to Troilus]

Thank you but does asthma not cause same issue? plus i cant smell or taste without prednisone smh

[Biker88]

COPD is only a generic term for chronic bronchitis and emphysema, there are several lung conditions which have similar symptoms but they don’t officially fall under the COPD umbrella, I have Aspergillosis and emphysema and the symptoms are similar. CT scans are used to diagnose these conditions along with lung function tests

[Mellywelly]

I'm not surprised your confused, I would be too. I would keep pestering them that you want answers. They are so quick to label lung problems under the same umbrella. My mum was the same. One minute she had emphysema and the next copd. And as for having covid so many times my heart goes out to you. Your poor body has been through the wars. Seriously I would demand answers so you can be treated for the correct illness. Good luck chook. 👍 🙂

[Digger0]

I was misdiagnosed as asthmatic in 1999 by a respiratory consultant. When I had a CT scan what in hospital with the dreaded C**** in 2020 it was found that I had bronchiectasis! So my very frequent chest infections are now treated!

[Kate124]

I have COPD which does show on X-ray. If nothing is showing on your I think you were misdiagnosed.

[Ergendl]

I was diagnosed in 2015 with moderate COPD with asthma overlap, the main component emphysema. By using that as a wake up call to live a healthier life, my diagnosis has improved to mild COPD, with my spirometry scoring the lower end of normal range.

So having COPD for years doesn't necessarily mean things rapidly get worse.