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Does this sound like copd?

Posted , 7 users are following.

steph04606
steph04606

Hello,

I have been suffering from shortness of breath for 5 months now. Started as simply shortness of breath in august with some chest tightness. About 2 months ago add a mild cough with white phlegm and through all of it fatigue.

Shortness of breath doesnt go away except when laying flat. occasionally causes dizzy spells.

Last weekend went to hospital for 3rd time, with an oxygen level of 98% and normal heart rates.

Was given Salbutamol for relief but left with no diagnosis, this causes increased cough and phlegm as well.

Does any of this sound like COPD or am i over thinking this?

Help Please.

Thanks

Steph

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • martin63346
    martin63346 steph04606

    Posted

    hi steph

    its possible but you need a proper diagnosis. Either see your local doctor or get him or her to refer you to a respiratory specialist for a full pulmonary examination.

  • martin63346
    martin63346 steph04606

    Posted

    hi steph

    its possible but you need a proper diagnosis. Either see your local doctor or get him or her to refer you to a respiratory specialist for a full pulmonary examination.

  • martin63346
    martin63346 steph04606

    Posted

    hi steph

    its possible but you need a proper diagnosis. Either see your local doctor or get him or her to refer you to a respiratory specialist for a full pulmonary examination.

  • james80978
    james80978 steph04606

    Posted

    Could be but as in previous answers need proper diagnosis. Would have expected you to be out of breath when you lie down

  • larry49033
    larry49033 steph04606

    Posted

    Most on this site have COPD and are generally concerned with how to best cope with our daily health concerns. We are not Doctors. You may have Pneumonia or some other lung disorder. See a Dr. before your symptoms worsen.

    If you are diagnosed with COPD then we will be here to listen, comfort, advise, and care.

    All the Best

  • robert31613
    robert31613 steph04606

    Posted

    Good Morning Steph

    Sorry to hear of your symptoms which obviously are distressing. The most important advice is to get your symptoms investigated as these have varied causes from acute episodes through to chronic conditions such as COPD.

    The doctor will consider your history, age , risk factors such as smoking . Spirometry is often used as an important diagnostic tool

    as it indicates the degree of obstruction if any to the flow of air into and out of the lungs.

    Whatever is the cause it is essential to obtain diagnosis so appropriate treatment is given.

    It is also worth noting that anxiety can increase the feeling of breathlessness too.

    So please get to the doctors .

    Good Luck

    best wishes Robert

  • aitarg35939
    aitarg35939 steph04606

    Posted

    Smaller respiratory issues can lead to MUCH bigger & incurable issues, so get to a doctor. An ER is not going to take care of this unless it gets much worse. You do NOT want to let it get much worse because when it does, scarring may occur, and that is a bad thing.

    Spirometry = Lung Function Tests (LFTs) = Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs). In the States, GPs don't do these. they either refer you to a pulmonologist or send you for outpatient testing in a hospital...where ER docs won't send you down the hall for the same test, lol.

    • steph04606
      steph04606 aitarg35939

      Posted

      I'm waiting until April for a lung function test at my local hospital. I'm going to my doctors Tuesday and planning to ask for a referral to a specialist, i live in a small town so no matter what i do its going to take time that i shouldn't be wasting.

      Thank You

    • aitarg35939
      aitarg35939 steph04606

      Posted

      Of the many advantages to living in small towns, advanced medical care isn't one of them. But don't feel too bad, as it can take that long to see a pulmo or get a spirometry done cities of in 1 million. i think it's good to see the doc this week.

    • larry49033
      larry49033 steph04606

      Posted

      I'm glad to hear you are going to see your Dr. After you tell them of your symptoms, I would think you will be sent to get a chest x-ray preformed. I was once in your place and the x-ray photos showed that I had Pneumonia. As serious as that was, I was grateful/relieved that it did not show a more serious problem.

      In addition, writing down your symptoms ahead of your appointment can ensure that you don't forget to express all of your pre-appointment concerns.

      All the Best

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