COPD? Really worried.

[Rolypops]

Some of you might remember the threads I've posted about an absolute monster of a chest infection I've been battling for five weeks now. I've had two rounds of abs and though the cough has settled there is still so much crap on my chest and I'm still wheezing terribly. I was diagnosed with bronchiolitis after being admitted to hospital.

Today I went back to the GP as my wheeze is still terrible and I've been referred for a spirometry test to rule out COPD or asthma. I'm terrified it's COPD. How likely is it at 36 when I have never smoked? Will I die young if it is? I just can't believe I'm possibly facing this when being perfectly healthy just five weeks ago.

I had a CT and an X ray at hospital and COPD wasn't mentioned? Would it have showed up on these scans?

I'm so scared and exhausted by the worry and lack of sleep.

Anyone?

Just to update this thread that a month later and I am still wheezing every day with no sign of an appointment for spirometry. I am out of my mind with worry about all of this as my health just seems to be on such a sharp decline. I am not on a steroid inhaler twice a day which has definitely helped with wheezing. Not really coughing anymore however, which is a small mercy. I've now had this issue for eight weeks.

OP it can take the lungs quite a long time to fully recover from a significant infection which it sounds like yours was. Doesn’t mean you will not recover but it may well take months.
I had a severe chest infection in my 20’s and had ‘post infection wheeze/ short of breath’ for 6-12 months. Eventually it got better and I’ve never had it again (now late 40’s).
if you are exposed to second hand smoke then that may be a factor but most likely you just need time.

If your steroid inhaler is helping then at 36 it is more likely uncontrolled viral asthma which you are now getting under control. Has the GP suggested you see an asthma nurse as I find them much more helpful than doctors about asthma. Have you done a peak flow test for two weeks with first a blue inhaler and then a steroid inhaler? That’s what a nurse would recommend to diagnose asthma. My DD has asthma and has recently been put on a steroid/reliever plus Montekulast combined inhaler due to uncontrolled asthma following several viral infections. There was a really nasty one this year. You might need a different inhaler for a while.

Thanks @Icannotbudget I think so much of my worry is coming from the fact that this is completely new for me, never had anything more than a cough before so it has really taken me back how sick I have become and how suddenly it happened. Poor you being sick for such a long time!

No mention of an asthma nurse, just the steroid inhaler and a wait for spirometry. The CT and x ray just showed bronchiolitis and a bit of collapsed lung which the Dr said was atelectasis and didn't seem too concerned about. Not sure if I had a peak flow test but oxygen levels have always been fine.

I completely understand, @Rolypops . I've fairly recently become very ill, very suddenly, had a long stay in hospital, and my life has changed significantly.

My Mum has COPD, is twice your age, and is doing great. It definitely shook her a bit when first diagnosed, but now she gets out every day for a good long walk, has plenty of energy to run around after her grandchildren. I know it's not the same for everyone, but for Mum it definitely wasn't a death sentence. She's loving life more than ever and living it to the fullest.

Funnily enough I am in a very similar situation, cough for months, constant wheezing. I tried the antibiotics, didn't help, steroid tablets were great stopped the cough and wheezing, but it just came back when I stopped taking them. Have had a chest x-ray (no results back yet) and am booked in for spirometry next week.

The third doc I saw basically said she thinks it's asthma and has given me brown and blue inhalers, which are helping. If it is asthma, then that's it, I'll have it most likely for life. She also mentioned COPD to me but like you I have never smoked or lived with a smoker, so asthma is the most likely.

Apparently adult onset asthma isn't that uncommon, so it's more likely that COPD hopefully. The doc told me the spirometry would see if lung function can be regained (because if it's COPD, i think that's irreversible).

But if you've never smoked, COPD is a lot less likely than asthma.

Yes, adult onset is common - I was diagnosed in my thirties and now barely remember I have it apart from taking m steroid inhaler twice a day.

Where do you live, OP? COPD can be caused by many air pollutions, not just smoking.

@Ifailed This is what worries me a bit tbh as though I have lived in the countryside for the last four years, I did live almost next door to a motorway for eight years previously.

Did you get any answers @Rolypops ?

Going through similar at the moment. Hope all is well.