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What tests have others had to show COPD

Posted , 3 users are following.

elaine59512
elaine59512

I would like to know what tests were done to others to show they had COPD.  I had my doubts  as my only test was a spirometry, how can that alone tell the lungs are damaged? cry

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Vee2
    Vee2 elaine59512

    Posted

    CT scan elaine.  can determine precisely the lung issue.  Best get referral to a respiratory specialising consultant.

    Spirometry only measures if there is obstruction of airways determined by how much air you can exhale etc. 

    You can have no obstruction and no restriction but still have damaged lungs.

     

    • elaine59512
      elaine59512 Vee2

      Posted

      Thankyou Vee2.  I will ask my Dr. next time I see him which will be after my latest Spirometry test early next year..

      I used to walk along the beach which is about 1km at a guess, around the head and part way along the next beach.  This morning I went back to the beach and disappointedly only made it half way along the first beach and had to return, sit on the bottom step until I could breath better then made 2 stops on the way up the 40 plus stairs.  I was puffed walking and my legs felt weak.  I do recover quickly though.

      I have been walking on the path around the lake instead of the beach.  I walk 1/2 the distance I used to but maybe that is better than nothing.  I'm not giving up on the beach yet, I love walking in the water. cool

    • Vee2
      Vee2 elaine59512

      Posted

      Keep on walking elaine, that is so important, just do what you can and rest when you need to as you are doing.

      Not sure if you are UK but if you are the respiratory consultant will action full lung function test, cardiac tests and more.  The the full lung function test is interpreted by the respiratory specialist not a GP.

       

  • copdcrete
    copdcrete elaine59512

    Posted

    Spirometry is the definitive test, a radiologist can tell you from an X Ray or CT scan that there is lung damage (my hospital doctor informed me that I had COPD just from an X Ray but then I have emhysema), but until the spirometry is done they cannot really tell you what stage the COPD is at.
  • shannon63557
    shannon63557 elaine59512

    Posted

    I  would ask to be referred for a full pulmonary lung function test along with the previously discussed xrays etc.

    That test really quantified my damage.

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