Do I have COPD??

[ChicagoPatrick]

Hello,

I am 25 years old.  I was 40 pounds overweight, but I lost 25 of those thanks to a good diet, some exercise and Meridia.  I smoked 1/2 pack to 1 pack on and off for 6 years.  I’ve been smoke free since DEC 26th.  Around DEC 31st, I started noticing some shortness of breath.  I felt like I had to yawn, but I could never quite complete it.  The SOB went away briefly and then came back and hasn't left since then.  I was admitted into the hospital because my Blood Oxygen level was 79.  It rose quickly with the hospital treatment of Solumedrol<spelling>, breathing treatments and is normal now.  The hospital even had me on oxygen and that did not help.  The shortness of breath is still with me and shows no sign of leaving. Over the last week I've developed this chronic, non-productive cough.  When I do manage to get some phlegm up it's white or clear.  The phlegm is difficult to expel as it always makes it up to my throat, but I end up swallowing it.  I've had X-Rays, CAT Scans, EKG, Pulmonary Function Tests, peak flow meter tests and all is well. I have no pain only tightness in my chest.  The doctor can't hear any wheezing.  No known allergies, chemical exposure or Asthma.  The Albuterol inhaler seems to loosen the phlegm up, but I'm never really relieved.  Sleeping is sometimes difficult because of the SOB.  I've been seeing an Internist and he does not know what the problem is.  Does anyone have a clue what the heck is wrong with me??  Any advice would be greatly appreciated!  I’m at my wits end. Thank you for taking my question.  

[National Jewish]

Since your pulmonary function tests were normal you do not have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).  After quitting smoking it is possible to cough and at times to cough up phlegm.
There are few diseases that can cause shortness of breath with low blood oxygen levels and normal pulmonary function tests, a normal chest X-ray, a normal CT scan, and a normal EKG.  Two problems come to mind:
1) recurrent pulmonary emboli or clots in the lung; or
2) a problem within the heart that allows blood to bypass the lungs.  This would be found by having an echocardiogram done.
Your doctor could order these tests or refer you to a lung specialist.

[ChicagoPatrick]

I forgot to mention post nassal drip.

[Yeshe]

For ChicagoPatrick,
I also have developed adult onset asthma with many symptoms not standard to Asthma.  My main concern was lack of breath.  I am only 47 years old but my life as I knew it was over.  I too went to many doctors and specialists.  I am very excited because we have found part of my problem is obstructed airway diease from my laynx vocal folds.  I would talk to your Primary Care Doctor and ask if a Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor may help you.  We found that I had a motor dysfunction that was causing my vocal folds to close in my airway restricting my intake and exhale. We will be trying a procedure that is sort like bio-feedback.  They video tape my vocal cords when they are working properly and then work with a Speech Therapist or Pathologist, I will "visualize" it and teach my brain to relax those folds when they restrict my breathing.  I hope this will help you.  I have yet to have my done because of other surgeries that required attention first.  Good Luck!!

[ChicagoPatrick]

I went to the Internist today, and he told me that he now heard some wheezing.  He thinks i have Athsma He gave me a perscription for Pulmicort. The Pulmicort is awesome at first, but then I feel the need to take it again, but I don't because i don't want to reach the Dr's recommended doses.

I would be very interested in finding out how your procedure went!!  Good luck to you!

[Addie]

I also have suffered like this for 3 years.  Pulmonary Doc said Asthma and gerd and maybe some chronic bronchitis.  Had CT scan that showed some scarring in the upper part of the lungs.  Broncoscopy showed pretty pink lungs. bronscopy washings were all negative.  PFT can be good and then not sooo goood.  I cough a lot and I think part of it is the larnyx that the GERD (Reflux) is irritating.  This, the doc said is part of my problem.

How did you get diagnosed with Obstuctive airway disease due to the Larnyx.?

Thanks.

Lisa

[Addie]

P.S.  Patrick, did they tell you to rinse your mouth out good after you use Pulmincort.  This is also a good idea with any type of inhalers or puffers.  

I came down with a bad case of Thrush because i did not rinse my mouth out good after using an inhaler and a puffer.

[ChicagoPatrick]

Hi Lisa,

They sure did.  I just rinse my mouth out with water well after I use it.  Did the doctors not tell you?

[Addie]

My allergist told me about the Pulmicort but my Pulmonologist never told me to rinse after the other inhalers and puffers he prescribed.  I feel it is a good idea to rinse with every inhaler and puffer.  I wish I had.