COPD - I've been told I have COPD. What should I expect?

NHS Experts in this video give valuable advice on what causes COPD, how your diagnosis is made, what you can do to help stay healthy, and what help is available for patients diagnosed with COPD.

[@magicalmystery1964]

I was diagnosed 15 years ago. I quit smoking 2 days after my diagnosis. 2 weeks ago I had my first exacerbation. It progresses, even if you quit. I will say that the Breztri inhaler has been a Godsend!

[@gbwildlifeuk8269]

Lots of recommendation to visit gp. These days you cant get near them! They've locked themselves away since covid! I tried the e-consult and because of palpitations the computer told me, "no sorry cant use this method - phone surgery".
The phone is permenantly engaged!
Visit and a sign says "do not enter without an appointment".
No e-consult, no phone, cant visit reception! How the hell do you see your gp?

[@WhydoIsuddenlyhaveahandle]

I am an under 40 amateur athlete. Had a terrible pneumonia in March requiring hospitalization.
I completed an Ironman 4 months after the hospital. Top 5% in, v02 max. My lungs are fully recovered.
For my job, which requires strict medical requirements, they made me do a PFT and a CPEX.
In both cases, they said my COPD showed up. I have absolutely no symptoms. It is such a wild diagnosis. They are only using that one spirometry number.
How is this possible to never smoke, have zero symptoms, yet have "COPD" based on Spirometry and CPEX? They had the make the CPEX harder to get a valid result. It was too easy.
I have been asking all over the place because this diagnosis may end my career.
It just doesn't make sense

[@suewright1299]

Excellent advice gentlemen, very many thanks indeed

[@alicehodges4420]

I am 82 years old, have had asthma for a number of years and have just been diagnosed with COPD. I have never smoked, why do I have it? I use inhalers and have tablets but it seems to flare up more often than not. What can I do? Alice.

[@MarcusGlenister-qd3nn]

I have just been diagnosed with COPD after collapse. I collapsed I thought it was getting older and chest infections now I have fear all around me I'm really frightened.

[@heinmolenaar6750]

How are you now?

[@cindybain6054]

Mine seems to be progressing rapidly

[@waynedavies2775]

I have respiratory issues Drs are a waste of time here in n Wales