COPD without symptoms

[SandyKara]

COPD without symptoms. I was diagnosed 10 years ago and remain free of coughs colds, flue etc. I find the diagnoses confusing. I am very healthy at 73 do Pilates, go to the gym and walk my dogs 5 plus miles every day. I was tested and scanned as a result of only one chest infection ever which developed in Russia and continued on my return to the UK. No symptoms ever since. I don't smoke but did in the past, many years ago.

[stone-UK]

Hi

The main symptoms of COPD are breathlessness on excertion. Emphysema

Or increase in mucus production, chronic bronchitis.

Given what you have mentioned in your post relating to age and exercise capabilities. I would ask for Spirometer test review. To confirm a correct diagnosis.

Are you taking any medication for COPD?

[SandyKara in reply to stone-UK]

No medication, no bronchitis. When I was diagnosed I thought it must be a mistake and forgot about it. My GP didn't mention it again. I moved house 4 years ago and haven't mentioned it to my new GP. I still don't have symptoms and almost never have colds, maybe one every few years. My age has made me wonder if as I get even older might symptoms begin to develop?

Thank you for replying.

[blondebookworm]

Hi Sandykara, I have been reading quite a bit about this condition as I have just been diagnosed and suspect your healthy lifestyle is working to keep any progression at bay - you seem to be doing all the things doctors suggest so keep it up, it's obviously working

[SandyKara]

Thank you I was hoping that might be the case.

[shadow4me]

I would ask to be re tested has even mild COPD has a few tell tell symptoms and if after 10 yrs you have none at all it seems very unlikely you have copd ,And if you are clear I would jump with joy because it is a horrid disease xx

[soulsaver]

How were you diagnosed 10 years ago?

[SandyKara in reply to soulsaver]

I had been ill in Russia where I had been working. The only chest infection I have ever had. Legionnaires decease was suspected as there was a great deal of it around in Moscow at the time. Back in the UK my GP sent me to have a chest xray which was when I was told that I had an area of COPD on my lung. When I commented that I had never had coughs, cold flu etc my GP said we should wait and see. It has never been mentioned since. I also failed a spyrometer test.

[jackdup in reply to SandyKara]

Spirometer tests aren't really a pass or fail, they simply measure various lung functions which indicate if you have any restrictive or obstructive lung conditions which would indicate whether further tests or investigations are necessary and what treatment options would be appropriate.

[SandyKara in reply to jackdup]

Thank you. I think the chest xray may have been as a result of the test.