Asthma or COPD?? Diagnosed by Dr's but no test available at mo! Please help

[Ami40]

Hi All,

I'm new here but wanted to ask a question about Asthma/COPD.

I had pneumonia last year and was given some antibiotics and a blue inhaler which I used and then the Dr gave me a brown inhaler too qvar, the steroid one didn't agree with me! I used the blue one about every 3-4 days. 8t seemed to clear up eventually and then 6 months later after Covid showed up I was ill again pain in ribs area and then SOB (shortness of breath) this eventually went away but I was out of breath when doing exercising or chores occasionally. (however this is when started working from home, so maybe some unfitness too). Had a chest x ray and was told things were clear. Then came down again with what seemed like a chest infection, was given antibiotics and told to use inhaler again. Was told i need a spirometry but due to Covid not happening yet. Then a letter was received by my Dr from consultant saying it's very likely to be COPD! Was given another steroid inhaler fostair was told to take this two puffs twice a day, tried that and instantly started getting chest pains and heart pains it seemed like so had to stop and took one puff on a morning and night instead of two. Then Dr has prescribed Revlar however, the side effects look bad on this and opens me up to pneumonia and other issues too, which is terrifying in this current climate with Covid!! Anyway I came off the steroid inhaler again, they all seem to cause my anxiety to sky rocket as well as other major issues which I just can't deal with! Is there any way weird this... Before was taking steroid inhaler... I used blue ventolin prob once every 4 days if needed! And was ok!

Do I really need the other inhaler especially if causing me major issues, I came off the fostair as just couldn't take it and went for a 15-20 walk which I do every evening and not out of breath or anything usually without the steroid or any inhaler.... And found I was in pain with my chest and had to cut the walk short! Been off it now so will try again at some point.

Could this be Asthma related and not COPD as the letter states as I've not been for a spirometry, blood tests have been fine chest x ray was ok unless I'm not being updated and the cons just says it's very likely to be COPD but hasn't confirmed it... I feel like I've been stuck on steroid inhalers when it may have been unwarranted... How can you tell the difference between asthma/COPD?!

Sorry for the long rant but I'd love to know similar stories or thoughts on this. Dr's just don't have the time at the moment and I feel as if I'm just being treated without really finding anything out!

[Feelingblessed2013]

I don't know about the inhalers you are on, but I'm hoping I can help a little. After my first lung cancer surgery, the surgeon noted tissue damage from emphysema (copd). However when I saw my pulmonologist he said not copd, maybe "adult onset night-time asthma "??? My PCP (primary care) showed me my ct scan, and the lung damage it showed. Apparently copd is diagnosed through a PFT (pulmonary function test). Asthma and emphysema both fall under COPD), but doctors seem reluctant to put that label on a patient until the PFTT shows some restriction in lung function.As for the inhalers, if you are having bad side effects, tell your doctor and insist on something else.

[Ami40 in reply to Feelingblessed2013]

Hi Katherine,

Thanks for your response.

Yes i just don't get how cons have come to the conclusion of COPD when I've had a chest x ray and it came back clear twice?? I had TB when I was a child bit that cleared up, since then no major issues. I've had pneumonia last year and had 2 times when been ill since but was having my blue inhaler only every 4 days or so so not excessive, was going for walks for 20 mins without stopping and had no issues with this? Was supposed to go for a spirometry but it's unavailable, but thank you yes maybe I need a PFTT to diagnose properly if Asthma/COPD. I was told it's very likely to be COPD, but I just don't get how they can label that without a proper diagnosis and stick me on steroids when it's clearly causing me issues, since I've stopped the steroid inhaler I've found it much harder to breathe etc, but the blue one is now starting to work again

[Feelingblessed2013 in reply to Ami40]

Keep in touch with your doctor. Make noise. As my mom used to say, its the squeaky wheels that get the grease

[Kristicats]

COPD is diagnose by spirometry or CT scan. I think the doctors are having to take educated guesses at present.