COPD and AFIB
My husband was diagnosed with afib about 2 years ago. It has been unable control . He was diagnosed with COPD about 6 years ago. emphazema.
Well in June 2017 he had his first flare up. Couldn't breath coughing tightness etc. Our health center is closing down the pulmonary dept so went to a PA who ' knew a lot about COPD' Given inhalers and nebulizer machine. Steroids. Slow slow change.
Went for a follow up Tuesday and was sent to the hospital because he had afib and pain in his back. Turns out the medication, inhalers etc can cause afib. So who is in charge of treatment pulonary or heart doctor? Should we be getting more pulomary tests? Thanks This is a crazy time.
Hi soccermom22 and thanks for your post. It can certainly be a challenge dealing with both COPD and atrial fibrillation, an arrhythmia of the heart. While we cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet (for your own safety), your concerns deserve a comment from us. Your question is spot on. When coexisting conditions affect a patient, the specialists should definitely coordinate their care and treatment. In this case, a cardiologist (for the heart) and a pulmonologist (for the lungs). Sometimes, you can be fortunate with a pulmonologist who has a background and experience in treating cardiac conditions, but when that does not occur, it's important to have the two physicians work together as they treat your husband. I thought you might find it helpful to look over this article on heart conditions that are linked to COPD:https://copd.net/basics/conditions/cardiovascular-conditions/. Please check back with us and let us know how your husband (and you!) are doing.
All the best, Leon (site moderator)Leon--
Thank you for your response and so quickly on the weekend.This site is a wonderful resource. Medical stuff is so complicated. Hospitals make me feel so helpless. Thanks again!
It's our pleasure, soccermom22. We understand how you feel and appreciate that you find our website to be so helpful.
If you haven't as yet, you may want to check out our COPD Facebook page which you can find here: https://www.facebook.com/COPDDotNet/. There you will find many of our community members in a lively and friendly level of interaction with everyone.
We're glad to have you as part of our community.
Warmly,
Leon (site moderator)Hi! It's really hard in dealing both COPD and afib..I suggest you should go into a big hospital and consult an expert. Good luck to you and your husband.
Hi GlaceSoundRacer and thanks for the encouragement and suggestion to soccermom22.
It's always gratifying for our community when members are supportive of one another.
All the best,
Leon (site moderator)
