Copd

IHD

Has anyone else got this ? I have just been diagnosed and i thought the treatment was inhalers? (my mum has it , and is on 2 different inhalers) But i have just been referred back to the respiratory specialist i saw weeks ago. Is there other forms of treatment than inhalers?

Bronnie

Hi there and welcome to MSE!

We're not really supposed to discuss medical matters and treatments etc like this on this board, unfortunately.

I have had experience of COPD in the family. The term COPD refers to is a group of conditions and treatments vary. I think it's positive that you're being referred to the respiratory specialist. You'll get an expert opinion and the most appropriate treatment.

The British Lung Foundation have info about COPD and the various treatments on their website.

HTH

Oldernotwiser

IHD wrote: »

Has anyone else got this ? I have just been diagnosed and i thought the treatment was inhalers? (my mum has it , and is on 2 different inhalers) But i have just been referred back to the respiratory specialist i saw weeks ago. Is there other forms of treatment than inhalers?

My husband has COPD (emphysema) and I can assure you that the normal treatment in the early stages is inhalers. You might also ask to be referred for a course of pulmonary rehabilitation as exercise is very important, as is a good diet and avoiding infections.

You are fortunate to have been referred to the respiratory specialist as this isn't the case for everybody; you may even find that you can be offered the various types of surgery that are now available for suitable cases.

Edit; I assume that you have given up smoking already as this is the single most important thing for you to do.

IHD

Thanks guys , the reason possibly im seeing the specialist is because i have another chronic illness , kidney failure. Maybe thats also why im not being put straight on an inhaler. I just wondered what other treatments they used .

C_Mababejive

I think you could also find yourself on diuretic medication to encourage you to ..ermm..offload fluids.

IHD

C_Mababejive wrote: »

I think you could also find yourself on diuretic medication to encourage you to ..ermm..offload fluids.

Thanks but no thanks ..i HAVE kidney failure !!! I do dialysis !!! The last time i 'offloaded fluids' was about 3 years ago !!!

xbrenx

IHD wrote: »

Thanks guys , the reason possibly im seeing the specialist is because i have another chronic illness , kidney failure. Maybe thats also why im not being put straight on an inhaler. I just wondered what other treatments they used .

This is exactly why we aren't supposed to discuss treatments, because people invariably miss out important information.