Is it COPD or just a symptom of hypothyroidism.

[sobs1962]

Hi all,

Was diagnosed with a spirometry test in February 2019,with COPD and given inhaler to take but despite being told I would get flare ups, this hasn't happened and I wonder if I've been misdiagnosed. I've read that coughing up phlegm on a regular basis is a symptom of hypothyroidism and they haven't repeated the spirometry test, supposedly because of covid, so none the wiser. 2 years after diagnosis, I don't get breathless or wheezy just coughing up phlegm which is always green. Anybody had same experience or can offer advice would be appreciated.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

sobs1962

I also have COPD, also Bronchiectasis which is another lung condition.

If you are coughing up green phlegm then that can be a sign of an infection. You should take a sample to your surgery for them to send it off for testing, that will identify the bacteria and you can be prescribed the appropriate antibiotic.

Have you joined the British Lung Foundation's forum here on HealthUnlocked? If not you may find it helpful:

healthunlocked.com/blf

Also it would be useful to look at the BLF's website, you will find lots of information about COPD:

blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

Either download or ask them to send you their Self Management Plan. In there there is a colour chart for sputum where you can see where in the chart your normal colour is and if it changes colour which indicates a possible infection.

shop.blf.org.uk/collections...

despite being told I would get flare ups, this hasn't happened and I wonder if I've been misdiagnosed

Not everyone gets flare ups, I didn't at the beginning but when I developed Bronchiectasis I got infection after infection until eventually I saw a consultant and was put on a treatment plan which now means I get very few infections. You could have mild COPD and it's not progressing.

I am sure your surgery can repeat your spirometry if you ask them. I used to get mine annually. My surgery will do routine monitoring but at the moment tends not to call patients but if the patient asks they will do it. I haven't been called for my respiratory check up since before the first lockdown but I know myself if I have a problem and I can ring the surgery and get checked out.

[sobs1962 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks for that, will look at the BLF links. I must admit I don't have much faith in doctors as they appear to not be interested at the moment and our surgery is really poor, should never have changed surgeries. Just have to keep plodding on and hope things improve.