COPD & Emphysema Support Group

COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...

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COPD and antibiotics?

gro100
gro100
I was diogonised with severe COPD 8 months ago. My FEV-1 is 22% of precticted, and my spo2 will drop below 85% without supplemental oxygen.

I have no other symptoms. I don't cough, and I haven't taken an antibiotic in over 8 years. My only symptoms are SOB, and low spo2.

My pulm. said My COPD has elements of asthma and allirgies, as well as emphysema ( they can't tell me what % of each I have yet ). My scans showed mild to moderate emphysematous change.

I wonder if it is possible that I have more asthma and alligeries, than emphysema?

I am sure Dennis will have an explanation for this.

Gary
ladylungs
ladylungs
Hi Gary, I too probably have allergy and asthma mixed in with my emphysema dx since I also carry those dx as well. I see some people on here who have no allergies and such. Seems we really are all different here but yet in the same big boat! I get worse allergic symptoms in the high peak allergy seasons (sometimes to a point of being scary)! on O2 in the night for about 7 years now... just went on daytime oxygen with activity about 6 months ago. My sats have been down more with the allergy season here in Western Pa. I also wondered if this is something that does cycle? I mean, of course, I am also slowly (I hope it can stay slowly) getting worse. Lots of things I have on my mind regarding the disease as well. Debbie.
deleted_user
deleted_user
we generally have a mix of asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. There are a couple of things you can look at to see what you currently have. Primarily the response to bronchiodilators during your PFT: http://www.sallyosborne.com/Interpretation%20of%20PFT-PP%20handout%202010.pdf
A 15% change in FEV1 post dilator indicates a higher bronchitis or asthma percentage, while a poor DLco and little change in FEV1 indicates a higher emphysema percentage. I have a feeling that as the disease progresses, the percentages can change a mite.
Hope this helps...

Hugs,
Dennis
deleted_user
deleted_user
Gary -
I have primarily emphysema, evidenced by xrays, a poor response to bronchiodilators and a low DLco. I also don't cough or usually evidence anything other than SOB and a requirement for supplemental O2.
That being said - if I get a cold or other respiratory bug, it has always ended up as a lung infection. I don't know about any one else lung infections are physically debilitating for me. Luckily my pulmonologist gives me the antibiotics I need up front - it's saved me multiple trips to our so-called "trauma center". If you've managed to stave off bugs so far, good on you...

Hugs,
Dennis
ladybug2008
ladybug2008
You could also try the asthma and allergy specialist. I just got tested for allergens with pricks to the skin. I was almost hoping asthma allergy is part of the problem just to have an answer, but in my case no allergies.