COPD and Emphysema: Confused by pulmonary function test and more

@jo54- Good morning- I agree, we are survivors! Be safe and Trelegy has made my life easier and I certainly can breathe much better. Good luck today!

@joelars- I'm not sure that I've had it, but one of my bronchitis events could have been. Pneumonia can scar lung tissues. It sounds as if you are taking care of yourself with your sleep apnea and everything else. Have you been checked for asthma? Which non-steroidal inhaler do you use? I guess that I don't have to worry about you taking good care of your self, you seem to be on top of it. But as your lungs become more scarred from COPD and emphysema please don't eliminate the thought of a new Pulmonologist or steroidal inhaler!

@marczappa- Hello, after a year, how are you doing? There is a new inhaler which combine at least 2 of your inhalers and possibly the third. Everyone that I have spoken to who has been switched to it has seen positive results. It's called Trelegy. I can't rave about it enough!

@merpreb
it's called albuterol.
I haven't been checked for asthma,but I should be. What is the test? I have an appointment with an allergist (at my GP's suggestion) this month. Can he do an asthma check? I made the appointment because my doc thinks my COPD is mild so other conditions, hopefully treatable allergies, might be involved. My GP did mention that I might have "traumatic" asthma from smoking, because my symptoms are inconsistent. Yesterday I ran longer, faster (finished at 4 minutes per mile faster than day before) and I wasn't breathing heavy (unlike day before). I just assumed that vacillation in lung function was common in emphysema, but I will get checked for asthma. Asthma (unlike emphysema) is treatable?

@joelars- That's a great question. I'm glad that you are going to see an allergist this month. I do not have asthma and don't know a lot about it. But it is treatable. There are several different forms of asthma: https://acaai.org/asthma/types-asthma.
Is your inhaler a rescue inhaler or one that you use regularly, or at least prior to exercising? My first, now retired pulmonologist, told me to use my inhaler (pro-air) prior to exercising.

You might have already been tested for Asthma, however there are differences in testing equipment, so make sure that you have the full monty. Takes about an hour, it also includes blood work, standing and sitting positions too.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/8958-asthma-testing--diagnosis/test-details
The two most common lung function tests used to diagnose asthma are spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide and challenge tests. Spirometry — This is a simple breathing test that measures how much and how fast you can blow air out of your lungs. It is often used to determine the amount of airway obstruction you have.The two most common lung function tests used to diagnose asthma are spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide and challenge tests. Spirometry — This is a simple breathing test that measures how much and how fast you can blow air out of your lungs. It is often used to determine the amount of airway obstruction you have.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/8958-asthma-testing--diagnosis/test-details

@fractured Have heard of salt caves.There are such things, but will look up where they might be. Interesting.......

well i had a dumb attack over stress in my life and smoked awhile. quit again 5 weeks ago . but now i am having more problems with shortness of breath. Have been seeing primary DR as well as pulmonary who prescribed the Symbacort and Spirivia. As my oxygen levels seem to stay in the 90's my primary has suggested perhaps it is co2 not being expelled properly . He has contacted the pulmonary to ask about a blood test for that ( I think ) Merry did I get put on a list to be informed of any tests. Was it you I spoke on phone with way back?

@marczappa- I'm sorry that you are having these problems right now. We haven't spoken on the phone. SOB is very common with people who have smoked. Have you had any breathing tests done as yet? You might have COPD and emphysema from smoking. How long did you smoke?

yes I have been treated for years now. Thought you were the moderator who I have spoken with Thanks

@marczappa- I'm a Mentor, but no problem at all. Good luck with your blood work!