I am looking for some advice. My mum had covid in May which turned into pneumonia, she hasn’t been well since.
she has been to see a lung speacilsit where she had two CT scans done to compare - a letter came back saying it had not got any worse but not improved either. They said they believe it is inflammation of the lungs.
She completed a spirometer test and we never got results back from this.
She is coughing up frothy sputum only in the morning and constantly clearing her throat throughout the day. Im worried it may be COPD, but would the spiro test not confirm this? How long does it take to diagnose COPD?
Not finding our doctors very helpful and no one seems to speak to you or try to explain anything.
I appreciate anyone’s help and guidance.
Xx
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Nattybo
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Sputum tests come back as satisfactory and blood tests too. Why is it so hard for doctors to give us an answer. Heartbreaking.
Hello Nattybo. I am so sorry that you and your Mum are going through this. Covid has left so many problems from blood clots, exhaustion, lung damage and doctors are struggling to identify and treat them. Most of them are out of their depth with this. I am not a doctor, just a lifelong respiratory patient who speaks to those on this site who have copd. It is my hunch that your mother does not have copd (which is mostly caused by smoking), but is suffering from lingering inflammation and some lung damage as a legacy of the covid. I know that this doesn't help you much. Perhaps look for a consultant who is working on post covid complications to get help for your Mum.
Thank you for your kind response. It is great to have a community page so we can all talk about our experiences and help each other. I really do appreciate your advice and thoughts. 🩷
I know doctors must be out of their depth with COVID, I just feel as though we have been pushed from pillar to post. In turn, my own mental health as suffered. This is a great page, glad I came across it.
I'm afraid that many of us can feel like that, especially with respiratory problems. We do our best to support each other and to make suggestions as to how to source the right treatment.
I'm sorry you have so little support. The doctors should suggest something to reduce the amount of sputum, or at least make it easier to cough up. I'm not a medic, but I wonder if an inhaler and perhaps a breathing device ( an AeroBika) would help. And definitely an anti-inflammatory. Good luck
On Aluk website there's info+ videos on lung clearance techniques. If mum does this a cpl times ea day,it shld help to reduce coughing due to mucous.Viral coughs can linger. Maybe lozenges,or I find a tspn clear honey coats the throat+ helps.ensure her fluid intake is optimal.gargling can help ease throat/cough too - even with water.sips of water help too.
Inflammation takes time to settle,and it can add to mucous/cough.
Hi, it's lovely of you to come on here on behalf of your mum Nattybo! I've had pneumonia a few times and know it completely knocks the stuffing out of you. It took me at least 3 months to recover each time. Last January I had a horrible virus in bed for over 3 weeks and it probably took longer to get over that. Just trying to say that there are some rotten viruses going around including of course covid.
You mum must take lots of vitamins - a good tonic perhaps - for a few weeks to rebuild herself (that's what I do anyway) . Dont hesitate to persuade her to go to gp if she can't get back to normal - because each visit will go on her record so they'll watch out for long covid.
Lots of warm fluids as you would for flu and not to run before she walks, little & often with the going out or exercising. Deep breathing helps the lungs exercised too......avoid others bugs, she's vulnerable while resistance is low.
Very best wishes, Peege
PS I maybe wrong but I think copd can be diagnosed with the spirometry test
Hi, I was diagnosed with emphysema by accident they were looking for something else and when I had a spirometry test at the GP they said I didn’t have COPD until I pointed to the letter from the consultant. You just have to keep on at the GP’s and if you’re mum’s friendly with her local pharmacy ask them for advice that route has helped me a lot over the years specially if you’re mum cannot get to see her GP. Good luck. Kevin
You have to keep pushing for answers chook, some have the attitude they just can't be bothered. Muster the frustration into stern questions, it's not easy bug sometimes it's the only way. Good luck 👍
You need more than a spirometer test to diagnose COPD, COPD on its own is not a condition it’s a generic name given to chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Diagnosis of these normally requires x-ray, CT scan and possible bronchoscopy. The spirometry test measures your lung function it doesn’t tell you why your readings are low, so other tests are required. I have emphysema which was picked up in a CT scam while being investigated for lung cancer.
I really feel for you and your mam, I’m in the same boat only mines Fluid on the lungs they are struggling to find the cause. You have been given some brilliant advice here but if she does have an appointment soon, take some questions with you, then they might answer for you.
From experience COVID followed by pneumonia is not a good combination. Both can take many months to recover from. The inflammation in the lungs could be the cause of the sputum and cough in the morning. The question is then what is the cause of the inflammation? It could be residual affects from COVID and or pneumonia . Have the doctors considered giving your mother a course of steroids?You did not mention what medications your mother is on. If she as not been started on inhalers it would suggest that your mother's test for COPD was negative. You do not report any shortness of breath or low oxygen saturations which would also suggest she does not have COPD.
What I would do is speak to my GP and ask if a course of steroids would help your mother's inflammation in her lungs. From memory It took me a good six months at least to recover from pneumonia.
Contact your GP surgery and insist they give you the spirometry test results. Sometimes a super efficient secretary enters them online and forgets to let the doctor know! I’ve had this happen in the past. If all that is clear then maybe talk to GP about Long Covid. Hope they sort it soon.
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