Confused dot com, spirometry test says normal but my lungs are aged 60yrs old & I'm only 46. What does this mean ?

[missy1967]

Breathing steadily gotten worse over the years since pneumonia in 2009. Hard to walk distances, and when walking or doing anything strenuous ie walking up stairs etc it takes a while for me to regulate my breathing again, seat has to be close by.

[BugsBunny]

Missy1967

A respiratory specialist at the hospital would be able to explain it to you. Has your GP referred you to the hospital? Alternatively you could phone the BLF helpline for advice. Sorry I can't be of more help.

Regards

Mandy

[missy1967]

Got a go back to go next Monday so until then its twiddling me fingers n thumbs

[Gingernuts in reply to missy1967]

not wurry iz frends ear

[libby7827]

Hi Missy, our lungs deteriorate naturally as we get older, so being told your lungs are appearing 60 years old is saying they are at the stage a normal 60 year old's would be. I was told years ago mine were 107!! I asked how many 107 year olds had had a spirometry test to prove this theory! Same thing happened to me, I had pneumonia around the same time as you and found it very hard afterwards. You need to keep as active as possible, ask your doctor/respiratory nurse about pulmonary rehabilition, it can work wonders. Keep as healthy as you can, although we often don't have any control over it. If you click the red balloon in the top right hand corner of this page it will lead you to find the BLF helpline number, it's an 0300 number so not expensive to call, and you will be able to talk to a nurse about your concerns. All the best, Libby x

[sukee52]

I agree with Libby, it sounds a lot more scary than it may really be. I was told at 30 that my lungs were 95 yrs old. I am now 61 and my stats say I am 4 ' 8 and aged 145. I am a life long COPD patient, but despite some struggles I still don't take medication and although not the fastest kid on the block, I still have a full and active life. Try not to worry too much, with the right help (lots of it on here) hopefully you will manage really well.

[onamission]

I'm 52 and have the lung capacity of an 87 year old don't let it get you down just avoid the flu keep warm this winter good luck

[jpscribbla]

I'm 60 and apparently have the lung age of a 90 year old! Like you I had pneumonia (in 2006) which is when my breathing problems really started. I agree with what others here have said so please don't let it worry you unduly. It is merely a statistic which really has little meaning when it comes to assessing your condition and how it will pan out for you.

Pester your medics with all the questions you would like answered. I invariably came away from GP or Respiratory nurse wishing I'd asked certain questions so now I actually write all my questions down beforehand and trot them out whenever I go for consultations. Stay well and best wishes x

[missy1967]

Not worrying too much, have actually had a few good days this week so can't complain :). Will definatley be writing down my questions for my gp tho.

[missy1967]

Started a day to day diary so I can show the doctor how I am and how day to day stuff effects me. I am hoping this will give her a clearer understanding of the way I am, plus its not always the same doctor on in our doctor's surgery. Results tomoz from last weeks test, gulp

[missy1967]

Xray results came back clear accoirdingv to my gp & therefore she had put it all down to my weight as I'm a larger lady. This I accepted but recently my lumber xray has returned after my local hospital sent them off to another local hospital for evaluation , the results came back last week. With the report came another report for my chest xray & this strayed that their was evidence of over inflatedness plus evidence of long standing cold but due to xray in 2013 there was no evidence of it worsening. I'm now slightly confused, is that due to possible scaring from my pneumonia several years ago? Due to my asthma? Or is there something that should have been picked up on? Feel a little stupid asking go again to look again at the new results or is it that the results are normal for someone with asthma & there is nothing untoward with them :/

[missy1967]

# long standing copd