Just got Chest X-Ray Results - Could it be COPD?

Unable to advise, COPD is a possibility (often goes with hyperinflation), but much more depends on your age, history of smoking, bodybuilding or excercise mania, any childhood asthma and so forth.

Would you like to say more about your past? COPD is manageable in most mild cases, but you will need more tests.

I also can't say what's wrong with you but long before i had COPD i had a lower respiratory infection which mainly manifested as difficulty in breathing upon exertion and eventually led to fainting upon standing up, very embarrassing as someone then always felt obliged to call for an ambulance. No fever, no coughing, no preceding cold or sinus issue. Did they check your blood gases?

One might hope for a lesser diagnosis than COPD.

Hi Dave:

When my granddaughter was 4, she said "Mamaw, what is that funny noise you are making".  I was wheezing, but ignored it.   Eventually, when my breathing was labored, I went to the same doctor and was diagnosed with asthma. 5 years later, when my oxygen level hit 72, I went to a different doctor who did extensive testing, sent me for CT scan and I was diagnosed with COPD.  I feel there were 5 years wasted because of an incorrect diagnosis.  Dave, please go to a Pulmonary specialist or insist that your doctor order a CT scan.  The earlier that you catch COPD, the more effective your treatment will be.  It is manageable, although there is no cure. 

Hello Dave

Yes, it could be both...COPD and what is referred to as Reactive Airway Disease (RAD).

Your statement about "...it takes every amount of effort not to faint..." just by hitting a ball draws my attention.

Has your physician done any cardiac testing on you? Such as EKG or cardiac ultrasound? Feeling like fainting after hitting a ball and sitting down does not lead me to the thoughts of COPD nor even asthma...unless you also find yourself extremely short of breath at the same time and are hyperventilating to try to get enough air in, then that would make you feel as though you could faint.

Wheezing is found with asthma and RAD that is for certain...Perhaps you have more than one issue going on.

Please, give us an update if you learn anything more.

Would be interesting to know what meds he has given you and if you have noticed any changes in the short time you have been on them.

Lill

Have you had a spirometer test Dave.

Even I am interested in knowing what it is. I am also sailing in the same boat as you are. I am 31. Having similar symptoms as you. 

Hi Dave,

Sorry for your suffering.

I have severe asthma as well as COPD.  I had the asthma first, from birth, and later in my 30's, I was also labeled COPD.  Your symptoms are my symptoms.  I have thoroughly treated the asthma and the medications they have developed for COPD are quite fantastic.  Breo and Spiriva are fantastic!  If there is an asthma component I recommend that you see an allergy/asthma specialist.  

Fear not!  You live in an age with fantastic medications to help you feel normal again.  Beware though, try to avoid the use of corticosteroids except for intermittently.  The injections are less damaging over time than the oral and intravenious methods of delivery.  Short sporadic oral doses are fine.  I am now suffering some heavy debilitating side effects from 30 years of sometimes heavy steroid use.  My price to pay for trying to breathe has been high.

Hope you get to the bottom of this soon and that treatments help you greatly if you need them!

Dawn, USA

This response is for lill............Lill, you always give very informative, uplifting, helpful suggestions and answers.  Bless you!!  I love seeing what you write!!

Hi you are very young at 30 to have copd.  It can happen at this age but it would be most unusual. Most copders are in their forties and older. 

It is possible you have another lung disease.  If you have not already had one you need to ask for a spirometry test which will show any reduction in lung function.  If your symptoms aren't explained by that then I would expect you to be offered a CT scan which is much more comprehensive.  

Exercise induced asthma is an official condition so it might be that.  I have heard of it before.   x

JAMES IS RIGHT SPIROMETER TEST FOLLOWED BY LUNG X RAY SEE GP NOW  Nurse does the testing. You`re to young, unless previous asthma problems. stay on grass etc.  me too used to live in morrocco now off to INDIA for 10 weeks and NEPAL. good luck to you and all other COPD  sufferers