I’m new here, just had my first lung function test.

[Lizn70]

I’m a fit and healthy 48 year old and I was diagnosed asthmatic about 5 years ago, I’ve had abit of pneumonia earlier on this year and now recovered.

I’ve just had a lung function test and the result is FEV1% 50% with no significant bronchodilator response. After a google this would suggest I’m moderate/severe COPD.

Any advice please

Liz

[Katinka46]

Hello Linz, we can’t diagnose here, we are not doctors so you must see your doctor to get the answers. There are three parts to a PFT: Spirometry, which looks at FEV1, FVC, PEF and the middle sized and smaller airways; then there is the gas exchange section which looks at how the lungs process and use the air we breathe in; then there is the section that looks at total lung capacity and how much air is left in our lungs and air-trapping. Can you post the whole test result here? Some members are good at such things. The one thing that can be said is that if there is no reversibility then it isn’t Asthma. COPD usually has a cause, smoking or exposure to toxic gases. The whole set of numbers needs to be analysed by an expert.

Unfortunately we often have to wait for the appointment.

All the best

Kate

[Lizn70]

Thanks Kate,

My FVC is 2.12 post dilator and my PEF is 4.17 post dilator.

Not sure how to post a photo on here!

I’ll ring the docs tomorrow

Liz

[Katinka46 in reply to Lizn70]

Sorry, I see that predictive text got your name wrong. I typed it in correctly a few times and it still messed up. Grrrrr...

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to Katinka46]

I read a thing just the other day that said, Whoever invented predictive text should be sent to burn in hello.

[Katinka46 in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Love it.

Kx

[Ergendl in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

I used a predictive text program once in the 1980s. It created a hilarious letter that started, "Dear Robber Thomson". I've cancelled out autocorrect and predictive text programs ever since.

[Izb1]

Hi Lizn70 and welcome to the site, cant advise but there will be plenty who can that is sure to come along soon x

[Hidden]

Hi Lizn70, just a short note to say welcome. I cant advise you either like you I'm pretty new here. What I can tell you it's a very positive supportive site you've came to. All the best with the dr. Mx

[Jeelan]

Hi Linz , hope your feeling a bit better. Have you had more problems breathing since the pneumonia?

We are the same age and I had pneumonia for the first time 6 years ago and since then I've had numerous infections as well as other bouts of pneumonia.

I now have problems breathing , really trying to overcome it....I walk a lot and do Pilates...but at the moment after the last pneumonia I'm struggling .

Do you manage much activity ?

How's your mood and well being ?

Hope you got some answers re your spirometry

[Smoggy1990Boggy]

If I was in your situation I would be phoning your Drs to explain to you or the hospital whoever did them. Or ring Asthma U.K. helpline or the British Lung Foundation one. They will be open today but closed until Tuesday April 23rd due to the Easter break. If I recall correctly they are both open usually Monday - Friday. Obviously BLF nurses are hugely knowledgable due to having to know about all the lung conditions there are over 40 apparently. Asthma U.K. as name says is for asthmatics. Both helplines have exceptional respiratory nurses in their own fields and are easy to talk too as well.

[Lizn70]

Many thanks all, I’ve been to the doctor who’s referred me to the respiratory team. She is confused with my results so can’t give me straight answers. Will ring BLF for advice.

[ninelives]

Hi Liz, Do hope you get the answers you need soon.It must be a worrying time for you.

I have found Respiratory consultants awesome as are their teams.GP respiratory nurses variable some really good others not so much.

One thing I would say is that there are times when you get conflicting advice from Hosp /GP.Dont be afraid to ask your docs lots of questions so you can make informed choices.

Asthma u k also amazing. Good luck