Really confused as not sure whether I have asthma or emphysema or both.

[matlewel]

Went for a scan about 3 years ago and it apparently showed some emphysema. Gave up smoking and then went to Respiratory nurse about two years ago for a reverse spirometry and the results were 79%. I was told that I was asthmatic and did not have emphysema. I unfortunately started smoking again and then had a another spirometry which showed a drop to 62%. My latest spirometry in Feb this year had dropped to 49%. I stopped smoking again and began doing my peak flow daily. At the start it was 190 but after a few weeks of being of the fags it rose to 290. The confusing thing is I thought if peak flow improved then this was more a sign of Asthma rather than emphysema. Unfortunately I am back on the fags and peak flow has dropped to 240. Can anyone clear my confusion. Margaret x

[Breatheeasy]

It is possible to have both as I understand it, often asthma leading to emphysema as lungs get older and more damaged by coughing etc. The key thing, if you dont mind me saying, is to keep off the fags, You have personal evidence that smoking makes you worse, so I would approach your local NHS for assistance with stopping smoking asap. Best of luck, many have done it so i am sure you can.

[pollyjj]

Can't give you and advice except get off them fags.

polly xx

[catlady05]

Hi Margaret,

As breatheeasy said it is possible to have both.

I have had chronic asthma since I was in my 20's and was diagnosed with emphysema last November.

The only problem I have now is when I am short of breath is it the E or an asthma attack? lol

Like you I am struggling with giving up smoking although I know it is he best thing for me.

Keep trying and good luck.

Jan

[katieoxo60]

Hi Margaret, I was going to type an answer to your question but feel the link submitted by salsa is a very good article to answer your query.But also like many illnesses you can have more than one. Smoking is bad for any lung or chest problems , so as they say don't give up on the giving up. Best wishes.

[Hidden]

The smoking has a big part even when we tell ourselves a different story so the smokes can stay. Stop the smokes before they stop you do nothing good for any lungs.

[Hidden]

In its simplest explanation, asthma has a large reversible component which is relieved by a bbronchodilator (blue inhaler)

COPD has a llargely irreversible component. Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease

[matlewel]

Thank you so much for all your comments. A special thank you to Salsa, the link was very good in giving clarification. I am intending to have another go at stopping smoking sure I will succeed one of these days. I also have a first appt with Pulmonary Rehab tomorrow so hopefully I will gain more incentive from that.

[June24]

The doctor told me its emphysema if you wheeze breathing out and asthma if you wheeze breathing in I just hope I have remembered it right