COPD and Emphysema: Confused by pulmonary function test and more

@joelars - What a great question. I'm learning that anything is possible. I have been tested several times with a scratch test. It showed nothing both times but when I got home I I'd break out in hives or just itches! Have you asked your doctor?

@mepreb as I said I didn't react to any allergens and my immune response was normal to every strain of pneumonia. the dpc said they'd call me to discuss if they found anything. They didn't find a thing, so there is nothing to discuss.

catcatanzaro60 Hello and God Bless Everyone too! Stay Safe! I found out this year I have COPD. I have had it for years and chose to deny it. But I cannot
ignore it anymore. Quiting nicotine in cig form four years ago and exercising daily has really helped. New to this group!

@catcatanzaro60- Welcome to Lung Health. What finally made you get tested and out of denial?

Hi. I need some help. I take 120mg lasix at 08h00 and again at 14h00. I'm far from docters how do i know how much liquid is still in my lungs and is it safe to nubelize with saline for 20min one hour before bedtime. Can someone please advise.
Thanking you.
Erasmus in South Africa.

Erasmus, I have no advice regarding the lasix, I take it, but not in that dosage. I suspect that your comfort level will give you a strong hint regarding the amount of liquid remaining in your lungs.
Regarding the use of the "nubelize" since it is generally designed to loosen the build up in the lungs so that you can relieve your self, use it as often as you feel the need/discomfort. I don't believe that there is no downside in its use. When in distress, I use it four times a day.
Can't you visit with your doctor via a tele-visit or a telephone?
Feel better.

@erasmus- Welcome to America and Mayo Clinic Connect. It must be scary and frustrating to be so far from medical help. We are not doctors or medical professionals We are patients helping other patients with similar difficulties. We can't give you any medical advice. I suggest that you might call your pharmacy with questions regarding dosages. Also perhaps, see if you can call and speak with your doctor.
Here is an explanation regarding nebulizers.
Nebulizer treatment works by atomizing liquid medicine into an inhalable gas form, which can then be easily breathed in by the patient as they wear a nebulizer mask. Nebulizer medicine also dissipates into the lungs faster, so it can enter the bloodstream more quickly to provide relief as fast as possible. So in short, your nebulizer is a delivery system for medicine that was prescribed for your problem. Are you experiencing more discomfort, pain or difficulty breathing? Do you think that liquid has filled your lungs out more since your last procedure?

I would't classify saline solution as a medication, although it is designed to ease certain issues.
I use it twice daily for sinus congestion. I use the nebulizer for my asthma, it contains prescribed medication along with a rescue inhaler.
i don't recommend asking a pharmacist for dosage advise, etc. They are great for recognizing drug interactions, etc. Doctors and pharmacists both have a significant place in or medical care.

Where are my COPD people? Are you here?

Hi @janrn1, you'll notice that I moved your message to an active discussion where you'll meet others living with COPD like @catcatanzaro60 @fracturedd @marczappa @bb729 @jgpolachek @mrbill @sews and more.

Jan, tell us more about you. How long have you been living with COPD? Are you currently on oxygen? What does life look like for you these days?