Diagnosed six years ago with C.O.P.D.

I have noticed within the last couple weeks I wake myself up coughing, when  I breathe I can hear a wheezing. My voice gets raspy if I talk a lot.  And it's hard to breathe after walking from one end of the house to the other.   Having to use my albuterol inhaler once a day, rather than once or twice a month.

Is the C.O.P.D. possibly developing into bronchitis, or emphysema ?

[allmymarbles]

I never heard of anyone with COPD having to use an inhaler once or twice a month. If you have to use it only once a day your condition is very mild.

[Debser]

COPD is chronic bronchitis or emphysema

[nicole681119]

I have also been diagnosed with COPD and I am using my albuterol inhaler about 6 times a day along with Spiriva and another steroid inhaler so using it once a day or twice a month sounds like your basic Asthma. I understand the confusion in changes to your health. I posted a few weeks ago for help here and never even got a response so I am dealing with it all on my own. Good luck with everything. And you may want to just go get a check up to be sure.

[sk8flo]

Nicole - sorry I didn't see your original post, just read it now.  GERD is very common with COPD and the reflux (even silent without the traditional heartburn) can cause significant coughing like you described.  Perhaps you could try some OTC meds like Prilosec for 2-4 weeks and see if it helps.....

Marji - COPD is a progressive disease.  Albuterol is a 'rescue' inhaler to help with bronchospasm - which can happen with emphysema and asthma.  If you are finding you now have much more shortness of breath with walking in your house, it is time for re-evaluation by a pulmonologist.  You didn't say if you are on any other medications.  The coughing could also be precipitated by GERD and having relux while sleeping is common.  The SOB could also be heart related.

I hope both of you find good care and feel better soon.