COPD or Something Else?

By debbi55

1 min read

Hello... I was recently diagnosed with COPD after a 7 day hospital stay, since then I have been told by another doctor it's acid reflux and now my sinus doctor says it's due to allergies and chronic sinusitis. I am waiting on the results to see if I need sinus surgery. Does anybody else have these 3 conditions? After some research I found all 3 of these cause breathing problems along with a few other symptoms. It's very depressing when each doctor has their own opinion.

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Christina Mattoni-Brashear Moderator
Hi debbi55, Thank you so much for reaching out, and for being part of our community—you're not alone here! How frustrating and confusing it must be to be diagnosed with several different things. I'm sure others in the community will share their own experiences, and you will definitely find a supportive group here! We hope you will keep us posted on what you find out regarding the correlation between your diagnoses, and on whether you need the sinus surgery—we'll be thinking of you! Take care, -Christina (COPD.net Team)
1. jeania Member
 Has anyone done a spirometry or Pulmonary Function Test on you? That's the definitive test for COPD and a number of other lung diseases. Before cavalierly diagnosing you, it would be nice if these docs had some evidence other than a recent hospitalization and some history. In your shoes, I'd find a good pulmonologist and ask for a diagnostic workup. Once you know whether COPD is part of the problem, ask the pulmo to coordinate with the other two. GERD is often part of COPD, and can usually be treated pretty easily. The sinus issues are certainly contributing to your problems if you have COPD and can be treated in conjunction with COPD. If COPD isn't part of your problem, you can get the other two issues treated by the two specialists if you wish.
Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi Debbi55 and thanks for posting your comment/question. I see that Christina has already replied to you with good suggestions and support. I had another thought you may want to consider based on your three different physicians each having different opinions AND the fact you were diagnosed with COPD during your hospital stay. You may want to ask them to collaborate with each other and come up with a consensus for the management and treatment plan of your condition(s). Please check back with us and let us know how you're doing. All the best, Leon (site moderator)
debbi55 Member
Thanks so much for the the feedback to my recent post.To answer your question Jean about pulmonary test,I did have the spirometry test done.All they told me was I should have been able to blow out for at least 6 secs but barely was able to go 3 secs out of 3 trys. Xrays showed signs of Emphasema so based on that and a history of chronic bronchitis the Dr says I'm in the mild to moderate stage of COPD,I guess I just cant believe it. I go june 6th to do a walk test to see if I qualify for oxygen and I start pulmonary rehab tomm. It all seems so much to grasp.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 It is a lot to absorb all at once, Debbi. Please know that you are welcome to visit our site and access all the informative articles all you want. If there is anything more specific that I can assist you with, please just let me know. We're glad you're here! You may want to visit our Facebook page as well. Many community members find it helpful to interact with one another there. You can access it here: <a href='https://www.facebook.com/copddotnet/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.facebook.com/copddotnet/</a> Warm regards, Leon (site moderator)
rockinrene65 Member
Anyone have Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH)???