Hi all, just looking for a bit of advice I suppose.
I was told today by my GP that I have Pulmonary Emphysema. This was resulting from a chest x-ray I had on 15th August after developing a cough in May. The cough turned into wheezing which I was prescribed steroids for - wheezing disappeared but cough didn't hence the chest x-ray.
X-ray said I had 'emphysemous lungs'. My question is, should I have had any other tests before this diagnosis? I have read quite a lot about spirometry - is this something I should ask for?
My GP said next steps are to have antibiotics as I also have an infection in R lung and for me to book an appointment with the respiratory nurse at the surgery. She wants to run the chest x-ray again in 6 weeks.
Trying to make sense of this very new and sudden news.. thanks in advance for any guidance.
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Lottielou7
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hi LottieLou. I have centrilobular emphysema which was diagnosed from ct scans. It’s moderate at the moment. I had spirometry/lung function tests to see if I have COPD, which I do. My consultant said my emphysema affects my lungs and COPD affects the actual airways so are different. You could ask your respiratory nurse about the lung function tests to see if you need it. Good luck and try not to worry. Exercise and keep away from people who have colds etc, if you can x
Copd is an umbrella term for emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Copd itself is not a condition but describes both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties.
It includes:
emphysema – damage to the air sacs in the lungs
chronic bronchitis – long-term inflammation of the airways.
I was unaware that emphysema could be positively diagnosed with an XRay, I have emphysema and my chest X-rays are normal, in my view your GP should refer you for Spirometry which can confirm COPD at which time you should be referred to a specialist where a CT Scan can differentiate between emphysema and bronchitis, this is the route taken to diagnose my emphysema
Ooooh yes I appreciate and recognise that it takes time to get the head around the diagnosis.
Once you have recovered from your chest infection can I advise that you have your diagnosis confirmed by spirometry test who can be done at your local surgery ( UK)
Below is my earlier reply to someone one here - points which I hope will help you.
I was diagnosed 21 years ago with Pancinar Emphysema and Asthma. Still here, still rattling around.
Be kind to yourself, everyone has given you great advice already.
From my experience ( 21 years and still learning ) I offer the following advice.
Yes to PR - if your MRC Dyspnoea rating scale is 3 or higher then ask to be referred. NICE are now advising MRC Score of 2 and higher should be included but PR teams still don’t have the staff to do that.
pcrs-uk.org/mrc-dyspnoea-scale
Ask your local council health and well-being teams if they have a suitable exercise class for respiratory patients. Some private classes may also be available.
Have the vaccinations offered. Prevent infections where you can.
If you have an exacerbation get treatment as soon as you can - lung infections leave scarring which progresses the condition.
Use the ALUK support groups online - I learn a lot from others.
Complete the COPD Passport online on the ALUK website.
Take the meds prescribed
Eat super healthily- as fresh food as possible. Increase Vit D intake in wintertime
Keep warm in winter - wearing layers and and using an electric throw ?
Keep a positive mental attitude. Do things which nurture and nourish you - what those activities are enjoy them.
Keep stress down to a minimum - helps to reduce inflammation.
COPD is a generic name for Emphysema they are the same thing, diagnosis via CT scan and or bronchoscopy, My emphysema dose not show on X-rays only on the CT scan, spirometry tests can give an indication of your lung health it can show a deterioration in your lung performance but it can’t show why. I also have chronic pulmonary Aspergillosis as well both conditions affect the lungs and cause similar breathing issues. My spirometry test shows lung deterioration but it doesn’t show if it’s the emphysema or the aspergillosis getting worse. The other diseases with the COPD label is chronic bronchitis
My consultant said emphysema affects the lungs and COPD affects the airways and only lung function tests can confirm COPD. My emphysema is moderate but I have severe COPD which LFT confirmed
You are very welcome to give our helpline a call and chat with our Clinical Team if you wish.
They can talk through the diagnosis and answer any questions you may have. I have added a link below to our contact details, and also the group support page that PaulineHM mentions.
generally what an X-ray will show is hyperinflated lungs and the comments accompanying my X-ray said hyperinflated lungs consistent with COPD. That is how I was originally diagnosed but later was referred to a specialist who performed a PFT and sent me for a CT scan which confirmed the COPD. To the best of my knowledge a definitive diagnosis cannot be given without at least a PFT but believe a CT scan is the ideal for a proper diagnosis.
Welcome to the forum. You need to be as proactive as possible to et the treatment you need-this forum is good for gingering each other to make sure we are proactive.
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Newly diagnosed
Cough different from usual
What can cause a chest X-ray to result in hyperaeration that is not COPD?
Costochrondritis for over a year!
