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.