COPD - IS IT EMPHYSEMA?
I’ve had mild COPD for a number of years. When I had my last spirometry I asked the respiratory nurse what form my disease was, ie, was it emphysema or chronic bronchitis? Well, she couldn’t give me a proper answer so I don’t know and I think it’s in my interest to have that information. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
I would ask your doctor, as some nurses are not allowed to give out personal information.
Thanks but she didn’t know
Could be either one or a little of both. Depends on your symptoms.
Have you had a ct scan? My pulmonologist said that emphysema can only be diagnosed through a biopsy of lung tissue, but my PCP told me that he can see the damaged lung tissue on my scan, and that damage is caused my emphysema. Every ct scan I have had, the radiologist mentions seeing emphysemic changes.
My old pulmonologist said that based on my PFT, no copd, no emphysema, maybe "adult onset nighttime asthma".
Unfortunately, you just have to keep looking and keep asking, until you get answers.
Hi KatherineK, hope you are doing well!! I am curious, I have had CT scans, things are staying the same, but they have never biopsied my emphysema. Do you think I should ask maybe? My scans read...mild emphysematous changes.
Thanks!! You take care and stay safe!!!
Meg 🦋🌼🦋🌼🦋🌼
If your scans say "mild emphysematous changes", I think that should be sufficient. Don't put yourself through any more than you absolutely need to.
My current pulmonologist was the first one to tell me a biopsy was the only way to diagnose it, I had never been told that before, and I had no intention of having one done.
It gets frustrating when you are trying to get a definitive diagnosis, but everyone is telling you different things.
When I had my last LC surgery, my surgeon had emphysema listed on his surgical report, so that was good enough for my pulmonologist.
Take care, stay well.
Katherine 🌸💐🌷⚘🌺🌻🦋🦋🦋🦋
Thanks, KatherineK, it's always a bit of a worry, my nature!!
You stay safe and well!!
Enjoy your weekened....its a Leap Year!!!
🌼🦋🌼🦋🌼🦋🌼
Meg
That’s interesting KatherineK, thanks. I can’t see our GP’s sending me for a CT scan unless my condition drastically worsened. That’s the NHS - unfortunately strapped for cash. Appreciate the advice
My GP didn't send me for the ct scans, my oncologist did. My GP had access to the scans. Whenever I went in to see him, if I'd had any new tests done, he would look at them.
Thanks RedSox that’s interesting and very helpful. Kind regards
Emphysema primarily shows on a ct scan. When the condition worsens it can be seen on ordinary x-ray. That is the info I have been given by respiratory team. Copd doesn't show on x-ray other than maybe hyper inflated lungs. Spiromertry test will show copd levels but not emphysema as far as I'm aware. If your worried about emphysema maybe push for a ct angiogram test. Xx
Thanks for that information. I may push for a scan when this pandemic is hopefully over 🙏. Hoping we all are safe.
I had a ct angiogram as my breathing was getting really laboured. I'm only 42 and used to be pretty fit. Also I was filing with fluid in ankles and feet so angiogram recommend. Got it pretty quickly as far as nhs goes lol. Most GPS won't send for one but u can try. A respiratory consultant can order one no problem. I had no idea I had emphysema but was pretty sure in the back of my mind a had copd. If it's any reassurance your copd staying at mild is a good sign and will hopefully continue like this if you don't smoke. I was told people with mild copd can live just as long a life as everyone else. A spiromertry test won't be enough to diagnose emphysema. Hope this info helps. I am only going by my very recent diagnosis and multiple tests I've had. Xx
It's possible you have copd and no emphysema or bronchitis at all. My mother in law is like this xx
What a worrying time you’ve had and you’re still young. I hope you’ve got good meds to help you and you’re feeling much better.
morning i have early stage of copd and iv got a op 
I Have No Interest In This Product Other Than It Makes Sense To Me.
COPD
COPD/ or emphysema 
Name of copd nurses?
