Does anyone have asthma and COPD overlap syndrome? how common is this syndrome or is it often misdiagnosed?

[Collie63]

My GP suspects I may have asthma/COPD overlap. Due to the current pandemic I’m unable to have spirometry test or chest x-Ray. I had asthma as a child and I’m an ex-smoker. My asthma has manifested again in the year. I am worrying whether my breathing will ever be stable again! The only COPD symptom I don’t currently have is a productive cough. Any thoughts or comments would be very much appreciated.

[knitter]

I was diagnosed as having COPD by a nurse after a routine asthma spirometry test . My gp said it was a ‘ grey area’ to diagnose ....the COPD / asthma overlap. The fact that I smoked is always mentioned , even though I stopped forty years ago. I can guarantee that the question is asked every time.

I had a productive cough and continual wheeze though, but that’s got much better recently, my lungs are now clear but my peak flow is still low.

It’s a difficult situation for you at the moment as you can’t have any tests .....is your main symptom increasing breathlessness on exertion?

I found gentle breathing exercises helpful....especially Patrick McKeown .

Maybe when you can visit your GP you can have allergy tests too...have you noticed any thing which affects your breathing ....pollen or dust?

I hope others here can help you more than I can .

The BLF have a helpline for those in the UK on 03000 030 555 open during office hours.

Best wishes.

[hypercat54]

Hi have a look at this.

healthline.com/health/asthm...

[MoyB in reply to hypercat54]

Thanks for the link. xx Moy

[Stanjory]

I’ve recently had this said to me by my GP. She said they’re still trying to understand it as it’s only been a recognised ‘thing’ for the past 10 years.

The hyper cat link above is very helpful.

I’ve never smoked but had asthma from 18 years old and COPD for past 8 years. Grew up in a smoking household so medics assume it’s secondary.

I’ve found the conversation to have with your GP is about the effectiveness of steroids and what works best for each condition. I sense it’s still an emerging thing in finding best ways to manage it. The spotometry test will help when you can get one. Take good care.

[Bkin]

I knew a lady many years ago who had asthma as a child and in time became chronic and tipped over into COPD.

COPD can be stable as can asthma, its managing the symptoms quickly with appropriate medication.

Not sure when it might become available again but you could ask your GP or consultant if you can put your name down for the next pulmonary rehabilitation course.

Meant time check out BLF's pages and perhaps contact the BLF helpline for further information.

blf.org.uk/support-for-you

Best wishes

[Ergendl]

My surgery's Respiratory Nurse called it, coyly, when I was first diagnosed: moderate COPD with a little reactivity. Change of Respiratory Nurse, who now asks about my COPD and asthma, which fortunately has been at the bottom end of normal at recent annual check ups.