Is Asthma or COPD??

[Ami40]

Hi All,

How do we know the difference between Asthma or COPD? I'm awaiting tests but may be some time and steroid inhalers just not agreeing with me, tried a few!

[katieoxo60]

Hello Ami, the tests normally decide what is wrong. However you can have both its generally called Chronic Obstructive Airways disease or COAD for short. But it could be any number of lung conditions so the tests are most important inhalers are often used till the results of tests decide the diagnosis. Many lung conditions have similar symptoms i.e COPD or Asthma Hope fully you will get the tests soon so the treatment can be adjusted.

[Sparkywoo]

Hi, I would speak to your GP about the steroid inhalers and why you’re not getting on with them. Whether it’s asthma or COPD you could end up being prescribed them

[R2B_John Moderator]

A Pulmonary Function is the gold standard in determining the difference....but a very quick and simple answer to your question as to the difference:"One main difference is that asthma typically causes attacks of wheezing and tightness in your chest. COPD symptoms are usually more constant and can include a cough that brings up phlegm."

John

[Ami40 in reply to R2B_John]

Hi John,

Thanks for your response and indeed everybody elses too!

I have no cough, feels like I can breath properly at times and was only using my ventolin every 4 days or so tbh.

I get breathless but can walk without this, I started getting breathlessness after excercises but stopped due to this.

The issue I have is when waking up I have wheezing, sometimes need the window to get fresh air, however, it can get stuffy in my room. This disappears and then when I breathe I can take a full breath and then right at the end it feels like a muffled feeling in my both bottom ribs area only, so feel as if have to push extra exhale to get this feeling clear, if I keep pushing can hurt my back on occasion slightly, does that sound familiar at all please?

I'm awaiting tests but due to current climate there's a delay etc.

I can't take my steroids as feel many side off these! So got the blue one for now but don't want to exacerbate my issues?

Please let me know your thoughts

Thanks

Ami

[Jocopd in reply to Ami40]

My impression is your O2 is dropping while your sleeping and you need to be wearing oxygen at night so you don't wake up gasping and wheezing like that.

They should do the over night test where you wear a wrist band with a fingertip pulse oxygen reader and then send it in the next day. Based on the results they may prescribe oxygen - just at night. Keep in mind that being on oxygen is not the end and nothing to be ashamed of, in fact it will help keep your organs healthier. They die without the right oxygen level.

On the other hand if you have sleep apnea then you would stop breathing during the night and need to be on cpap machine. To diagnose that then you would do a sleep test at the clinic or they may give you the home test on that one also.

[Ami40 in reply to Jocopd]

Hi Jocopd

Thanks for your response.

For what reasons could my O2 levels be dropping though? Would this not occur through the day alsp if it was the case?

I go for walks on an evening and have no issues, O2 is usually within the range of 96-99 through the day and resting heart rate is usually 54-60 etc... So shows no issue here?

Sorry I may have made it sound like I'm gasping or wheezing bad which is not the case tbh, it's a little wheeze at the end of exhale etc. I'm 40 yrs old and can get around and do things as normal through the day. I do need some fresh air in the morning but that maybe due to dust or something in my room where I'm sleeping? Maybe allergies also etc? If it was oxygen through the night would I be showing any other symptoms etc?

I think I should do an overnight test for 02 levels to see what it is through the night though so thanks for that and I'll request it asap.

I don't think I've got sleep apnea as would have realised maybe before?

Sorry John and Jocopd!

I know you guys can't do a diagnosis was just asking for info and I'll ask Dr for that for in detail. Just wanted to know if you guys have had same issues and if it sounds like COPD/asthma from your knowledge/experience etc that's all?

Thanks for the info so far too! 😉

[betmaxbaby in reply to Ami40]

im with jacobd. do the test. Over night oxygen makes you wake up like the the energizer bunny. I have COPD because of emphysema. On full time oxy now, but it took awhile to get to this point. Couldnt do alot of the inhalers, had to about go through all of them to find one i could deal with.

[Ami40 in reply to betmaxbaby]

Hi thanks for your response, can I ask how old you are please? I'm 40 yrs of age, I can do a 20 min walk with no problems and no wheezing/breathlessnes or any issues, so I don't know if I need it? Can I ask what your problems were when you found you had COPD, ribs/back aching? Wheezing, whistling noise on exhale? out of breath? Hard to exhale etc? Coughing? Any other issues? Phlegm mucus? Thanks

[betmaxbaby in reply to Ami40]

Had by pass surgery at 57. Im sure this had something to do with it plus i was a smoker!. So shortness of breath was there. I could do things, but progressively has worsen. Im 77 so have been dealing with it 20 years. I have other major issues. CLL, heart disease and the COPD. im a walking time bomb. lol.But you , quit worrying. you will drive yourself crazy. But your right to ask lots of questions cause you know what your body needs almost better then the Doc. I can still ride my stationary bike 4 miles, flop around the floor like a fish and i just bought another toy to do a leg thing. Keep the walking up, i still think my exercise is whats helped alot.

[R2B_John Moderator in reply to Ami40]

You are somewhat asking for a diagnosis, and I can't do that. I think "Jocopd's" response was certainly a strong possibility. I have used nocturnal oxygen for years. So many many possibilities. Sleep apnea, need to have nocturnal oxygen, allergies to something near you while you sleep, etc, etc. Probably a dozen more possibilities.

With all the varied symptoms you mention,,,,you really need a full diagnosis from a pulmonologist.Let us know what the doctor says!

John

[ilos]

It sounds trivial but it's worth thinking about; if you wash your bedsheets every week it can eliminate some night time breathing (and skin) issues caused by a build up of bacteria and mites that accumulate due to shedded skin cells. For the same reason replace your pillow if it is old.

[rossie1942]

In addition to drop in oxygen levels I can think of endless other reasons why you are wheezing in the mornings including digestive problems and as ilos says allergies. I know it is hard waiting but whilst people can offer support in managing conditions only a doctor can tell you if you have copd. Remember copd is not a death sentence and people live long active lives with it. Best wishes.