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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
have I got copd?
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have I got copd?
by supernan, May 13, 2006 12:00AM
I am a 52 year old ex-smoker who gave up 25 years ago. For the last 12 years I have been asthmatic, although I do not wheeze. As a child and young person I suffered with chest infections. Lately I have had had a few chest infections, my third since christmas.
Earlier this year I was diagnosed with Cardiac Syndrome X, which is ischemic in nature, and have recently been short of breath when walking, so much so that I have to stop for a few minutes to catch my breath again. This doesn't happen when I am sitting down.
Thinking it was heart related I called to see my Dr. who informed me that an earlier lungfunction test (November 05)showed my FEV <70% and that I had mild COPD.
Is there any chance that the asthma could have caused the FEV result and that my Dr could have got it wrong?
Earlier this year I was diagnosed with Cardiac Syndrome X, which is ischemic in nature, and have recently been short of breath when walking, so much so that I have to stop for a few minutes to catch my breath again. This doesn't happen when I am sitting down.
Thinking it was heart related I called to see my Dr. who informed me that an earlier lungfunction test (November 05)showed my FEV <70% and that I had mild COPD.
Is there any chance that the asthma could have caused the FEV result and that my Dr could have got it wrong?
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, May 31, 2006 12:00AM
, May 31, 2006 12:00AM
The slight reduction of FEV1 could be from COPD or asthma. In either case, it might improve by using an inhaled, long-acting bronchodilator. This should also decrease your shortness of breath. If your doctor felt it was safe to take one of these drugs with your cardiac condition, you might try either a beta-2 agonist or Spiriva.
Mild COPD in a person who has not smoked for 25 years is not a serious concern. Mild COPD is not associated with such severe shortness of breath.
Mild COPD in a person who has not smoked for 25 years is not a serious concern. Mild COPD is not associated with such severe shortness of breath.
