Unofficial COPD diagnosis at 28
Hi there,
I have been having a chronic cough, intermittent trouble breathing and mucus production for the last 6 months. After seeing a pulmonary specialist he has sent me for Spirometry. From the results (attached) they told me it’s very consistent with early stage COPD. I have also just been diagnosed with GERD, but he said it would not affect Spirometry this much. I also asked about getting an CT scan and he has said there is no point with the current results.
I was a previous smoker for ~10 years, but have quit 3 years ago. This has come out of the blue with no previous lung issues.
I’m feeling really lost and like I don’t know what to do, or what my life will look like in 10+ years. Can someone offer some advice/guidance?
Thank you!!
Hi
, unfortunately, we are unable to offer any specific medical advice via the internet for your safety! I hear how confusing and difficult this time has been for you, and we are here to offer you whatever support we can. Here are a few articles that we do have that may be helpful to you: https://copd.net/diagnosis/breathing-tests, https://copd.net/basics/copd-stages/your-copd-stage, https://copd.net/living/just-diagnosed-tips. All the best, Sam S. (COPD team). 
Hi
, and welcome! I see you are a new member here, having joined just yesterday in the evening. Although, as my colleague, , has indicated, we cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet, your concerns certainly warrant a response. Besides the references that she provided for you, I also have something to contribute.
You've said this is an 'unofficial' COPD diagnosis. If that's the case, you will really want to have a serious, sit down, conversation with a physician you can trust. Since pulmonary function testing (PFT), remains the gold standard for helping to diagnose pulmonary disease, a professional, experienced, compassionate, and capable doctor will be able to spend the time needed to explain what your PFT results mean. Your complete medical history (some of which you've shared with us here), will help the doctor to provide you with a comprehensive assessment. Once a specific level of disease is determined, a planned course of treatment and a medication regimen can be established for you that can help you (and the doctor) to manage this disease. If it is truly COPD, early detection is key to effectively slowing down its progression and thereby facilitate living an enjoyable, productive life.
We will be happy to provide you with any information and support we can as you go through this.
What do you think?
Leon L (author/moderator)
