COPD
Posted , 5 users are following.
Nurse carried our spirometry ordered by doc due to a few chest infections I had. I was still coughing alot the day I went and bringing up green. I had to use my blue inhaler as by the time I walked the fifteen mins to my docs I could not breath relieved it pretty well. When blowing into spirometry there was clear wheeze on my chest and nurse could not do reversibility portion of test as could not give me inhaler as I had taken five mins previous. 2 years ago had normal spiro now nurse is saying showing moderate obstruction. Freaking out now I have copd also have hayfever
0 likes, 3 replies
antoinette99244 greengoddess17
Posted
Sorry. Don't despair. I have Chronic Bronchitis (COPD) Was dealing with it fine for 5 years, then 4 months ago problems increased, now use oxygen at night sometimes as needed during day. Heat and humidity (as it is now) make it difficult to breathe. I have a physical therapist now coming over twice a week and exercising me it helps strengthen lungs. Take allergy pill for hayfever. I have chronic sinitis. Winter or Summer, it is mainly under control with allergy pill. Don't panic, I take Muscinex (doctor recommend) to help reduce the phlem and thin it out so you so not wheeze so much. Keep positive.
hypercat greengoddess17
Posted
Hi you should wait at least 2 weeks after an infection before having a spirometry test. This is because otherwise it will affect the results. I would ask for another one in a couple of weeks as long as you can stay clear of infection.
If the new one shows copd then take heart because unless you are severe it won't impact on your life very much. Whilst it is a progressive disease leading a healthy lifestyle is the best way to slow this down.
Obviously as we are all different the progress is different. I am still mild 10 years after diagnosis despite on packing in the ciggies last year for which I am very grateful for. Another person could have progressed to severe by now and be on oxygen. A lot if it depends on luck as well so I must have some good genes as well as bad.
I hope you are feeling a bit better about it all now. x
Vee2 greengoddess17
Posted
I was told to wait for 6 weeks after infection had cleared before doing a spirometry test otherwise it doesn't give an accurate reading as mentioned by hypercat.
Once your infection clears and you are retested if will give an improved reading no doubt.
Of utmost importance is to clear that lung infection.
No smoking, passive or otherwise, concentrate on making your self well, eat good healthy food and try to do some exercise each and every day. Check you tube and search for Donna Wilson Lung exercise videos
Take medicines as prescribed by your doctor.