COPD

I've been diagnosed with COPD for about 13 years and still don't know what that means. Everyone here seems to know which one of the diseases they have. How do you find out? It looks to me that different drugs help according to what you have. I have only ever had a couple of chest x-rays in all that time.

[O2Trees]

When you say you don't know which disease you have Im assuming you mean either emphysema or chronic bronchitis? The only way to know exactly how copd has affected you is to have a CT scan which will show the exact damage to your lungs.

When you say you've only ever had two chest X-rays during the 13 years, do you mean that you've not had spirometry testing? A chest X-ray on its own is insufficient to diagnose copd. Some GPs are very casual in their diagnosis, assuming if you've been a smoker and are having breathing problems that you must have copd. And while this is certainly a possibility, it's not automatic.

[hypercat54]

Hi I have copd and have no idea whether it is emphysema or chronic bronchitis either. My doctors/nurses either don't know or don't care coz whenever I ask I get angrily 'It all comes under copd'.

If it's any help most people have primarily one with a bit of the other. x

[kiracleo in reply to hypercat54]

COPD is an umbrella term for chronic lung conditions.

[hypercat54 in reply to kiracleo]

Yes and it stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is the umbrella term for emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It all gets very confusing coz some medics and countries include other things like asthma under it as well. x

[hypercat54]

I think the progression rate for both are very similiar though emphysema maybe has more adverse effects on you - not sure of this last bit though. A nurse I pushed to the extreme said she thought it was more likely CB rather than E which she said is good.

I have never had a CT scan even though I have asked for one. I have also been angrily refused on the basis 'It's not necessary as we know the damage'. x

[Kristicats in reply to hypercat54]

I was only offered a ct scan because I coughed up a little blood after a chest infection. Otherwise I wouldn’t have known that in my case it’s emphysema and bronchiectasis. I think it helps to know. I also think everyone that is diagnosed COPD should have a ct scan as routine.

[hypercat54 in reply to Kristicats]

I think that like with heart and cancer everyone with lung problems should be automatically referred to a consultant and have all the relevant tests done. x

[hypercat54]

You too x

[Kristicats]

Hi Patsyann hope this hot weather isn’t too difficult for you and that you are now getting better support,Hope you are comfortable and able to get out a little now. 🤞💐

[Ergendl]

I haven't been told whether it's CB or E that I've got, but from the fact I have no issues with mucus unless I get a cold, I'm assuming it's emphysema.