Newbie confusion

[hs_sasha]

Hi still trying to get my head around this. I'm confused, probably a stupid question but feel i should ask anyway, does a spirometer give definitive diagnosis of copd or should further tests be carried out to determine exactly what's going on? Heather x

[mrsmummy]

Hi, firstly, there are no silly questions. If we don't know then we need to ask. As to the diagnosis, my understanding is that the spirometer identifies a problem and an x-ray or CT scan identifies what the problem is but not all doctors follow the same pattern.

Have a look here for more information:

nhs.uk/Conditions/Chronic-o...

[hs_sasha in reply to mrsmummy]

Thanks mrsmummy that was the impression I was getting from reading countless posts in here

[skischool]

Sasha,Not a stupid question.Spirometry test results are a valuable tool,in the diagnosis of Copd and its severity but also can be indicative of other obstructive related lung diseases.Its evaluation is best left in the hands of your consultant as oppossed to the general practice nurse who quite frankly does not have the expertise in interpolating its results.Probably your spirometry readings will be interpreted alongside Chest xrays or CT imaging results plus lifestyle factors to give your consultant a clearer picture oof your condition.

SPIROMETRY

Spirometry is a method of assessing lung function by measuring the volume of air that the patient

is able to expel from the lungs after a maximal inspiration. It is a reliable method of differentiating

between obstructive airways disorders (e.g. COPD, asthma) and restrictive diseases (where the size

of the lungs is reduced, e.g. fibrotic lung disease). Spirometry is the most effective way of

determining the severity of COPD. However, other measures such as the MRC dyspnoea scale1 and

quality of life assessment forms a more complete picture. Severity cannot be predicted from clinical

signs and symptoms alone.

There are spirometers in about 70–80% of practices in the UK and their use is increasing,

particularly since changes to the GMS primary care contract introduced in April 2004. Practice

nurses predominantly perform the tests but many lack confidence in carrying out the procedure or

in the interpretation of the results.2 Accurate spirometry can only be performed with appropriate

training. Most nurses and GPs request more help in carrying out and interpreting spirometry.2 The

Bit long winded but a small insert from the NICE guidelines on Spirometry.

Above all do not worry as Copd is a well manageable condition.Call the BLF helpline for more proffessional advise.best wishes skischool MIke

[hs_sasha in reply to skischool]

Thank you for your in depth answer ☺

[shadow4me in reply to skischool]

Here in the UK its common practice to only see the nurse until you are actually admitted to hospital ,I have severe COPD and have never been offered any other lung function test I also dont think that the nurse does the test has it should be done has I have noticed that people have a clip on nose and a inhaler is used to find out if it helps you or not I haven't had any of this just been told to blow xx

[Nitap in reply to shadow4me]

Me too !! I have moved house and DOCTOR'S in mid Essex, I was in West Essex NHS Trust. My respiratory team have done more for me in just over a year than the last Team ! did in 4 !! New GP who is wonderful. If I need to see her she will see me in her lunch hour during the winter months I go and sit in small room, not with all the bugs and sneezers.

I am going to appt. on Thursday to a new Consultant, so fingers and toes crossed he will be great to ?? xxx

[hs_sasha in reply to shadow4me]

They tested me without inhaler then with, I'm on first stage one apparently. It does help with walking over 200 yds on slight gradient

[greatauntali]

I am glad you asked the question because my copd diagnosis 8 years ago was based on spirometry. I have never had a CT scan and only had an x-ray more recently which showed enlargement of the lungs " because of the copd ".

[shadow4me in reply to greatauntali]

Mine to x

[katieoxo60]

Welcome to the site Heather, Not a silly question but feel it has been answered for you. The method of testing for COPD seems to vary from doctor to doctor. No hard and fast rules seem to apply. However spirometer does not always give a clear cut answer, but does suggest airway problems depending on the result. Even the internet sites about this topic vary in the information . There are so many different lung problems further investigations are often required. Take care

[hs_sasha in reply to katieoxo60]

Thank you they just handed me a salbutamol inhalor told me to stick with cutting down on cigs, went from 30+ now been on max 10 per day for a few weeks which she said was great since I'd been smoking for over 40 yrs, ideally stop but better than too many, rediculous that I can't just give up though, tried many times this is the best I've done ever.

[katieoxo60 in reply to hs_sasha]

Keep up the good work on the ciggys, took me three attempts but now I have been a none smoker for over 11 years. Like you I had smoked for many years but only 20 a day. Many doctors say COPD if your a smoker. Once you cut down the doctors may look at other solutions to you illness, best wishes and hope we speak again soon.

[hs_sasha in reply to katieoxo60]

Got to admit I already feel better hardly cough except the occasional throat clearance, one harumph as opposed to constant cough. Still struggle with walking over 200 yds but inhaler makes that easier. I know I need to quit but getting myself comfortable with just 10 max per day has been my goal first, never managed that for even one day before,its been 8 weeks since I started cutting down, some days are easier than others, use the odd puff at ecig if its too much to keep me at minimum of two hours between , I know this sounds weak but I'm hoping by doing it this way I'll have less chance of increasing again. In time I hope to be like you saying I quit so many years ago... I have tried all other methods of stopping but as hubby said I don't want to stop enough, stupid I know but using this method I honestly feel I will get there this time, never felt as positive about it before. Well done you for managing what so far I've failed to do x

[katieoxo60 in reply to hs_sasha]

What ever gets you there is best for you. I know of some who still carry ciggys in their pocket even though they do not smoke they feel secure in the knowladge that if they need one they can have one. Which is another idea. My Grandson just gave up and he used them vapour things first. I personally used the NHS quit programme in the end , but it does take willpower if you have smoked for a long time. I thought of the other things I could have with the money I saved. One day at a time Heather, you will get there x

[hs_sasha in reply to katieoxo60]

Thank you for your understanding and not lecturing me the 'right way' I have tried other methods including NHS help, patches were irritating my skin no matter what site on me I used, been talking to someone who suggested because I went from heavy smoker to low possibly the patches were too high, by this time I'd used the ecig for the tough times, the last thing I wantbto do is swap one habit for another, I have managed to get the old style patches but 14mg so I'll see if they help. Strange thing is on anything Else food I've needed will power for its there! So that does suggest I don't want to enough. I have put self imposed obstacles in my way, no more smoking in living room, was always of the opinion my house I'll decide! If I'm going up the street I no longer take them with me, used to smoke one up one home, I have the ecig with me just in case the urge comes along and I weaken and buy some but I rarely need it, little things that upset the routine I had that was 'normal' I've tried other ways including cold turkey but first sign of stressful situation and I'd be back on them worse than ever, had a couple of stressful situations in the passed few weeks but I've not allowed myself to use it as an excuse to smoke more this time so I'm fairly sure I'm on the right track

[skischool]

Sasha,Please get as much help as poss to give up smoking.It will kill you and your poor hubby will be devastated.I am a hypocrite,i have COPD quite severe yet i still have the occassional fag.which is stupid but because i lost my wife quite recently i use it as an excuse.IF your only incentive is not to leave your dear hubby and family in grief and enjoy a better more active life with them then get that help Now.i have smoked for 50yrs and i know how hard it is to quit.Lecture over.live long and breathe easier.Mike

[hs_sasha]

Sorry for your loss, yes they are the 'prop' I am trying x