How can I find out if I have COPD?

I'm sorry you're having such problems getting help with your breathing problems, Colrol. You must see a lung doctor (pulmonologist) to get a definitive answer about your breathing issues. If they feel it's needed, they will conduct tests such as a pulmonary function test that will help them determine what the problem is. I would keep any appointments you were able to get even if it's not until October. You might call back and ask that you be put on a waiting list to get in earlier if there are cancelations.

In the meantime, the suggestion to try to quit smoking is a good one. The lung doctor will no doubt tell you the same, so you can get a head start on that. As you look through this site, you'll find tips for successful quitting. I wish you the best with that!

If the doctor gave you an inhaler, continue to use it as prescribed. When you see the lung doctor, they can determine if you need other medications as well.

I wish you the best! Please keep us posted about what happens.

Lyn (moderator)

Hi Colrol and welcome. I see that Lyn has given you excellent advice encouraging you to quit smoking. It is the single most important thing you can do for yourself with COPD.
For your convenience, here is a link to several of our website's articles on quitting smoking:https://copd.net/?s=quitting+smoking&submit=Go
I realize it's a good number of articles - please take your time and read them slowly over time if that makes it easier.
We'll look forward to your continued participation in our online community.
All the best,
Leon (site moderator)

Thanks for your answers Lyn and Leon!

I already stopped smoking without problem. Have been smoking a bit back and forwards in my life. Mainly when drinking. I now realised the big problem.

I have been coughing a bit for several years. I went to a pulmonologist 3 years ago. Did the x-ray. Nothing wrong. Furter tests were to expensive.

Some weeks ago I got a bad cold. My mucus was like adhesive. After I spit it out, it took around 20 seconds before I slowly could start breathing. Almost panicking as I thought I might die. Went to a "privat familydoctor or emergencydoctor as they call it here. (I live in a small country) There is one big public hospital here but it takes to long time to get an appontment. Someone told me that his old mother went there to early. Here appointment was the next year.
The " familydoctor" prescribed the inhaler "Ventolin" and said I shell come back if it does not get better.
My cold got much better but my breathingproblems just slightly. I went to another privat hospital. He said he cant do anything before I get rid of the cold, so he gave me antibiotics.

I friend that saw my breathingproblems said I must have COPD. What is that? I asked, as I never had heard about it.
I looked it up in internet, then I went to the privat hospital for a spirometrytest.
There was another dr there. He said my lungs capasaty is less than normal. He gave me another inhaler (Seretide 50) and said I shell stop smoking and I will be better and come back if I dont get better or worse.
I asked if it is COPD? He said that he thought it could be. According to info in internet it is important to get treatment urgent if you have COPD. Therefore I think the advices from the doctors I met so far are strange.
A friend gave me the adress to a pulmonologist. That is the one that have no time before Oktober. The nurce said they phone if there are cancelations. I went to another privat hospital. They have no pulmonologist, but said they will get one at the end of July.
I am not 100% sure it is COPD, because I did not loose weight (1-2 kilo more than normal) and there is almost no mucus when I cough.

Thanks for the info Leon!

I agree with you that it is better to get the cards on the table, so you can arm yourself with information!

In fact I am getting better every day since the cold is gone! I am not afraid to be dead the next minute when I start to cough. I get air much easier. Felt my lungs could not absorve enought oxogen before, that is okey now. Have fewer attacks.

I know medical advise is not allowed here. The following is not an advise, I just said what I did.:
Stopped smoking, used inhalator, flush airways with salted water, drink tea with pressed lemon, ate garlic, ginseng and other fresh vegetables. A bath in the sea every day.