I’m very confused about COPD - it’s an umbrella term?
I am a 53-yo female. I was diagnosed with moderate COPD and asthma last week. I have an inhaler for the asthma, and will be starting Advair 100/50 on Friday. I smoked from 16 to 36 years of age, and quit 17 years ago, hoping to avoid the two big Cs - COPD and cancer. My mom died of COPD at 62 14 years ago, and it was a terrible death. I do not have lung cancer, so that’s a relief. But what I’m reading is confusing me. If I have COPD, that means I have to have either chronic bronchitis or emphysema? My pulmonologist said nothing about either of those, just moderate COPD and asthma. What questions do I need to ask him at my next follow-up in two months? He said I’ll be fine and should live to my 80s or 90s because we’ve caught it so early and treatments are so much better than when my mom was diagnosed. I’d appreciate any comments and suggestions.
Hello DGSinFL, thank you for reaching out! I hear how overwhelming this diagnosis feels for you, especially after having watching your mother suffer with COPD. COPD is indeed an umbrella term. It is used as, rather than having just chronic bronchitis or just emphysema, most people have some elements of both which is why COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is used. These articles gives some introductory information that may be helpful in clarifying:
https://copd.net/basics/
https://copd.net/basics/damaged-lungs/
Congratulations on being 17 years smoke-free! That is a tremendous accomplishment and one of the best things to do for assisting your lung function! Having caught the COPD early is also incredibly positive. I also thought this article might be of interest to you:
https://copd.net/clinical/tips-staying-healthy-moderate-stage/
We are glad you have found the community here and hope it will be a positive source of information and support for you. Wishing you a gentle day. ~Allyson (COPD.net team)
It can be confusing, DGSinFL! Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) refers to a group of lung diseases, the two most common of which are Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. Here's an article that explains it in more detail: https://copd.net/basics/
Regards, Lyn (site moderator)
Hi DGSinFL and thanks for your post. It's easy to understand your concern when it comes to this diagnosis. I see the articles for which my colleague, Allyson, has provided links for you. I'm sure you will find the articles to be both informative and interesting. If you haven't as yet, you may also want to check out our COPD Facebook page. Many of our community members interact there on a regular basis throughout the day. You can find the link at the bottom of this page.
It's good to have you as a member of our community - please know that you are always welcome here! Leon (site moderator)COPD means-
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseHi mattiaswills and thanks for this post. You are correct, the acronym COPD represents Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease. We appreciate you joining in the conversation here. Leon (site moderator)
