caret icon Back to all discussions

Possible COPD diagnosis

Hi All I had a severe bout of flu a couple of months ago and the cough has persisted although not as bad as it was. I also had a period when I had a persistent cough last year and had a chest xray which was clear but it did show I had expanded lungs but the doctor didn't think this was a problem. I was given a nasal spray as the doctor thought it was post nasal drip. The cough cleared up and that was that until this recent bout of flu. I
I went to see the nurse about the persistent cough (wasn't offered an appointment with a doctor) who said it needed further investigation. I was also given another steroid spray. I was able to get an appointment and did a breath test the same time which showed inflammation in the airways - this had already been mentioned by the doctor who didn't seem to think it was a problem. I have now been booked in for a spirometry test to see whether I have COPD or if it is undiagnosed asthma or nothing at all.
I am 73, an ex smoker but have not smoked for over 40 years! I think I had my last cigarette in 1983!! I do a lot of exercise like classes and Nordic walking and for my age I consider myself quite fit. I am absolutely terrified they are going to find that I have COPD and don't know whether to go for the test or not or just carry on as I am. If it is COPD it is probably very mild - is it possible just to go on living your normal life with mild COPD? What can you do to prevent it getting any worse? Can you fly with COPD? Any information/experience would be helpful. Thanks.

  1. Hi there. Welcome! I'm glad you found us -- I can hear how unsettled you are and I would feel the same way. You've been through a lot lately.

    So, we can't judge about whether or not you have COPD or give medical advice since we're not doctors. But COPD can be caused by all sorts of things, not just smoking. About a quarter of people with COPD have never smoked! So, sometimes it's damage from other illnesses, genetics, or just plain bad luck. Though I am very glad to hear you quit so long ago. I am certain that has made a difference in your health and will play a positive role moving forward.

    You are always free to make your own choices, but I would urge you to go for the testing and see what they say. If you do have COPD, there is so much that can be done today to help you feel well and slow down the progression of your symptoms, and the sooner you have a management plan, the better it will be for you. Here is an article breaking down how the testing works:

    https://copd.net/clinical/what-is-pulmonary-function-testing

    Everyone is different, and what life looks like with COPD depends on what your health is like at diagnosis, your fitness level, how well you take care of yourself generally, if you take your meds and follow doctors' instructions, etc. There are breathing exercises you can do, here's some info about that:

    https://copd.net/guest-expert/pursed-lips-are-not-just-for-kissing



    I would say the majority of the people here have had COPD for at least 5-10 years -- though we have seen plenty of others who lived for decades. My grandmother lived for 10 years after her diagnosis, but she lived with symptoms for much longer, just as an example. She had a full life and passed in her 80s. Without medication, you would likely see a faster progression of the disease.

    With mild COPD, you might find that life goes on as normal, yes. Especially since you are active and are working with a medical team. Activity, a healthy diet and regular sleep can make a huge difference. This is not a death sentence -- plenty of us end up dying from something else in the end, to be frank. Try not to put too much stock in whatever timelines you may be given. As I just wrote to someone else, we can't see the future and our bodies can surprise us. So try to take things one day at a time, with hope and a commitment to keep doing the best you can.

    I'll stop here, since I've already written a novel. 😀 You're not alone!! We're all here for you. Please keep us posted and I will cross my fingers that everything goes well with the tests.

    Hugs,
    Melissa, team member

    1. Me again. Forgot to mention that yes, you can fly even if you use oxygen. We have tons of info about that, let us know if you want us to send some articles. -Melissa, team member

      1. Thanks for the reply. I will check out the articles and would like to be sent some articles. I have decided to go for the test as the anxiety about not knowing is worse. It may or may not be COPD but I am now imagining all sorts of symptoms.

        As I said I consider myself to be quite fit for my age and exercise in one form or another almost every day and smoking is long in the past. I guess if it is COPD then I will just follow advice and carry on the best I can and book a private consultation with a specialist. I am in the UK and the NHS is not always as good as it should be!
        Another question - Does high humidity make COPD worse? I am hoping to make a final trip to India later this year and the plan is to go to the South which will be quite humid. I plan to spend more time outside the cities as they are very polluted now but am concerned about the humidity.

        1. I'm glad you're going for the test. It's pretty likely that if you didn't do anything at all and didn't take medication that you wouldn't have as good quality (or quantity) of life. We're here for you no matter what the test says, even if you don't have COPD. You're welcome here regardless.

          Humidity is a big trigger for a lot of people, yes. But everyone is different. I would bring up the trip with your doctor (GP or whoever) and see what they say. They might give you an inhaler or other suggestions. They may also discourage you from going, though the choice is yours. Having a plan of what you'll do when you go on your trip will help.

          https://copd.net/clinical/air-triggers


          And as promised, here are some articles I like about flying. Most involve oxygen use, which is more common in later stages of COPD. But as you'll see, it can be done with a plan and a good attitude.

          https://copd.net/living/travel-essentials

          https://copd.net/living/oxygen-travel

          https://copd.net/living/flying


          Hope those are useful. -Melissa, team member


      Please read our rules before posting.