Re: need copd info

[Guest guest]

Hi ,Asthma is a form of COPD and is capable of remodeling the airways if not properly controlled. It is definitely common for asthmatics to end up with other forms of copd. You say you don't smoke, but smoking is not the only inhaled substance to damage our lungs. In america we were raised with at least 70% of the population smoking .. We also had serious exposes to argon, asbestos, and lead. We also can't forget the poor air quality we have today. With increased levels of ground level pollutants on a daily basis and high pollen counts at other times...........well there is plenty out there to mess with a health set of lungs.Asthmatics really don't stand a chance.MadelineSent via DROID on Verizon Wireless need copd info ive had severe asthma 5yrs...difficult to control and now the ER doc tells me i have copd. how can i have this and ive neversmoked?>gonna get the complete treatment at uab today. I well let you enjoy know how well the tour guides present themselves. LOL>>Madeline

[Guest guest]

thanks madeline

i guessmy biggest

prob is my 18 triggers and my poorly/

uncontrolled asthma

any advise on how i

can deal with this better?

>Hi ,

>Asthma is a form of COPD and is capable of remodeling the airways if not

properly controlled. It is definitely common for asthmatics to end up with

other forms of copd. You say you don't smoke, but smoking is not the only

inhaled substance to damage our lungs. In america we were raised with at least

70% of the population smoking .. We also had serious exposes to argon,

asbestos, and lead. We also can't forget the poor air quality we have today.

With increased levels of ground level pollutants on a daily basis and high

pollen counts at other times...........well there is plenty out there to mess

with a health set of lungs.Asthmatics really don't stand a chance.

>

>Madeline

>

>Sent via DROID on Verizon Wireless

>

> need copd info

>

>ive had severe asthma 5yrs...difficult to control and now the ER doc tells me i

have copd. how can i have this and ive neversmoked?

>

>

>

>> gonna get the complete treatment at uab today. I well let you enjoy know

>how well the tour guides present themselves. LOL

>>

>> Madeline

>

>

[Guest guest]

I think many doctors have their own definition of COPD. It stands for

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is also described as a

combination of Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. My doctor recently

told me I do not have asthma but actually have COPD (although he had

been treating me for asthma for years). I do not have chronic

bronchitis but I do get it every Spring. I used to get a sore throat

every Spring but never do any more. He says I do not have emphysema -

yet.

So I think it is a " catchall " that doctors like to use when they don't

know exactly what you have, My asthma started when I was taking an

antibiotic - Biaxin and - they switched me to Avelox and it got worse

and I ended up in ER. The asthma never went away.

Ora

On Sun, 29 May 2011 14:32:23 -0700 (PDT), karan scott

wrote:

>ive had severe asthma 5yrs...difficult to control and now the ER doc tells me i

have copd. how can i have this and ive neversmoked?

[Guest guest]

You don't have to ever have smoked, it is probably second hand smoke. I never smoked either, but, my father smoked 2 packs a day, and back in the day everyone I knew smoked. And I worked in a steel mill for 13 years, asbestos, smokers, chemical air pollution, you name it. I have asthma, but then again I have had all kinds of allergies most of my life, and that sometimes just goes into asthma also. Sometimes The Dr's just group any kind of lung breathing problems all together and put them under the umbrella of COPD.To: asthma Cc: asthma Sent: Sun, May 29, 2011 8:38:58 PMSubject: Re: need copd info

I think many doctors have their own definition of COPD. It stands for

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is also described as a

combination of Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. My doctor recently

told me I do not have asthma but actually have COPD (although he had

been treating me for asthma for years). I do not have chronic

bronchitis but I do get it every Spring. I used to get a sore throat

every Spring but never do any more. He says I do not have emphysema -

yet.

So I think it is a "catchall" that doctors like to use when they don't

know exactly what you have, My asthma started when I was taking an

antibiotic - Biaxin and - they switched me to Avelox and it got worse

and I ended up in ER. The asthma never went away.

Ora

On Sun, 29 May 2011 14:32:23 -0700 (PDT), karan scott

wrote:

>ive had severe asthma 5yrs...difficult to control and now the ER doc tells me i have copd. how can i have this and ive neversmoked?

[Guest guest]

I have COPD too, and it has become a bigger problem for me than my asthma, which

is relatively mild. There's a really good Yahoo! Group that deals with all

aspects of COPD education and support. I don't know that I'm allowed to post a

link here to another group, but you can probably find it online at the Yahoo!

Groups site. Or you could email me privately and then I could send you the

link. The name of the group is COPD-ALERT.

People do get COPD who have never smoked. Some of them have a gene defect that

causes it, and others just seem to get it for no explainable reason.

Slats

>

> >gonna get the complete treatment at uab today. I well let you enjoy know how

well the tour guides present themselves. LOL

> >

> >Madeline

>

[Guest guest]

COPD can have as its primary cause emphysema OR chronic bronchitis, or both. I

have only emphysema, seen on xray in the lower lobes of both lungs. I seldom

cough, but I have become increasingly short of breath since being diagnosed 10

years ago. So far I don't qualify for insurance to cover oxygen, but my blood

oxygen saturation when I'm physically active (making the bed, carrying the

vacuum to another room, walking up stairs, etc.) does drop below the number

which would qualify me. Unfortunately they test you when you are sitting still

or do a sleep test to determine whether you qualify.

Slats

>

> >ive had severe asthma 5yrs...difficult to control and now the ER doc tells me

i have copd. how can i have this and ive neversmoked?

>

[Guest guest]

Hey Slats, go ahead and post that link to the COPD group. Others here might be interested and I think we moderators can allow it., Co-ModeratorTo: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 10:25:42 AMSubject: Re: need copd

info

I have COPD too, and it has become a bigger problem for me than my asthma, which is relatively mild. There's a really good Yahoo! Group that deals with all aspects of COPD education and support. I don't know that I'm allowed to post a link here to another group, but you can probably find it online at the Yahoo! Groups site. Or you could email me privately and then I could send you the link. The name of the group is COPD-ALERT.

People do get COPD who have never smoked. Some of them have a gene defect that causes it, and others just seem to get it for no explainable reason.

Slats

>

> >gonna get the complete treatment at uab today. I well let you enjoy know how well the tour guides present themselves. LOL

> >

> >Madeline

>

[Guest guest]

I smoked for 26 years and the last time I was tested, didn't have COPD. My doctor says it's associated with chronic bronchitis and emphysema mostly. I tend to get bronchitis frequently, but not often enough for it to be chronic. I probably could do well to be tested again soon anyway.On the asthma front, I'm a bit twitchy but not too bad. NE Tennessee is getting the first tastes of what may be bringing in a long, HOT summer. It's supposed to be in the low 90s today. It's only 11 am EST right now and it's already 82 F, with heat index of 86 F and humidity sitting at 54%. I guess we'll see if it's as sticky as yesterday. We started Vacation Bible School at my church last night and I was standing outside doing registration cards for the kids in my group, and

sweating bullets. I did ok asthma wise, but I did better once I got inside in the ac. I don't mind sweating, I just don't like breathing the warm moist air. It's like sucking through a straw. YUCK!, Co-ModeratorTo: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 9:55:34 AMSubject: Re: need copd info

You don't have to ever have smoked, it is probably second hand smoke. I never smoked either, but, my father smoked 2 packs a day, and back in the day everyone I knew smoked. And I worked in a steel mill for 13 years, asbestos, smokers, chemical air pollution, you name it. I have asthma, but then again I have had all kinds of allergies most of my life, and that sometimes just goes into asthma also. Sometimes The Dr's just group any kind of lung breathing problems all together and put them under the umbrella of COPD.From: "taurusrc@..."

To: asthma Cc: asthma Sent: Sun, May 29, 2011 8:38:58 PMSubject: Re: need copd info

I think many doctors have their own definition of COPD. It stands for

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is also described as a

combination of Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. My doctor recently

told me I do not have asthma but actually have COPD (although he had

been treating me for asthma for years). I do not have chronic

bronchitis but I do get it every Spring. I used to get a sore throat

every Spring but never do any more. He says I do not have emphysema -

yet.

So I think it is a "catchall" that doctors like to use when they don't

know exactly what you have, My asthma started when I was taking an

antibiotic - Biaxin and - they switched me to Avelox and it got worse

and I ended up in ER. The asthma never went away.

Ora

On Sun, 29 May 2011 14:32:23 -0700 (PDT), karan scott

wrote:

>ive had severe asthma 5yrs...difficult to control and now the ER doc tells me i have copd. how can i have this and ive neversmoked?

[Guest guest]

Yes It was sticky here yesterday too. I live outside of Pittsburgh. It also was very hot when I was out, so I didn't fool around, went from air conditioning in my home, to car, to store, and back the same way. LOL. Thank goodness I can do that. High summer heat, high humidity, they will bring me down, and it is really hard to get back up. So in any extreme weather I just stay home, cancel appointments, most of my Dr.'s know, and are ok with it, but sometimes other people are not so understanding. But, I figure I would rather not go through the hell of it if I don't have to.To: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 11:07:17 AMSubject: Re: need copd info

I smoked for 26 years and the last time I was tested, didn't have COPD. My doctor says it's associated with chronic bronchitis and emphysema mostly. I tend to get bronchitis frequently, but not often enough for it to be chronic. I probably could do well to be tested again soon anyway.On the asthma front, I'm a bit twitchy but not too bad. NE Tennessee is getting the first tastes of what may be bringing in a long, HOT summer. It's supposed to be in the low 90s today. It's only 11 am EST right now and it's already 82 F, with heat index of 86 F and humidity sitting at 54%. I guess we'll see if it's as sticky as yesterday. We started Vacation Bible School at my church last night and I was standing outside doing registration cards for the kids in my group, and

sweating bullets. I did ok asthma wise, but I did better once I got inside in the ac. I don't mind sweating, I just don't like breathing the warm moist air. It's like sucking through a straw. YUCK!, Co-ModeratorTo: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 9:55:34 AMSubject: Re: need copd info

You don't have to ever have smoked, it is probably second hand smoke. I never smoked either, but, my father smoked 2 packs a day, and back in the day everyone I knew smoked. And I worked in a steel mill for 13 years, asbestos, smokers, chemical air pollution, you name it. I have asthma, but then again I have had all kinds of allergies most of my life, and that sometimes just goes into asthma also. Sometimes The Dr's just group any kind of lung breathing problems all together and put them under the umbrella of COPD.From: "taurusrc@..."

To: asthma Cc: asthma Sent: Sun, May 29, 2011 8:38:58 PMSubject: Re: need copd info

I think many doctors have their own definition of COPD. It stands for

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is also described as a

combination of Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. My doctor recently

told me I do not have asthma but actually have COPD (although he had

been treating me for asthma for years). I do not have chronic

bronchitis but I do get it every Spring. I used to get a sore throat

every Spring but never do any more. He says I do not have emphysema -

yet.

So I think it is a "catchall" that doctors like to use when they don't

know exactly what you have, My asthma started when I was taking an

antibiotic - Biaxin and - they switched me to Avelox and it got worse

and I ended up in ER. The asthma never went away.

Ora

On Sun, 29 May 2011 14:32:23 -0700 (PDT), karan scott

wrote:

>ive had severe asthma 5yrs...difficult to control and now the ER doc tells me i have copd. how can i have this and ive neversmoked?

[Guest guest]

I didn't know it was that bad out, until after I got in the car, and it was stifling, actually felt better outside, after getting out of the hot car. Need to watch the car, will send me to the hospital real fast.To: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 11:25:26 AMSubject: Re: need copd info

Yes It was sticky here yesterday too. I live outside of Pittsburgh. It also was very hot when I was out, so I didn't fool around, went from air conditioning in my home, to car, to store, and back the same way. LOL. Thank goodness I can do that. High summer heat, high humidity, they will bring me down, and it is really hard to get back up. So in any extreme weather I just stay home, cancel appointments, most of my Dr.'s know, and are ok with it, but sometimes other people are not so understanding. But, I figure I would rather not go through the hell of it if I don't have to.To: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 11:07:17 AMSubject: Re: need copd info

I smoked for 26 years and the last time I was tested, didn't have COPD. My doctor says it's associated with chronic bronchitis and emphysema mostly. I tend to get bronchitis frequently, but not often enough for it to be chronic. I probably could do well to be tested again soon anyway.On the asthma front, I'm a bit twitchy but not too bad. NE Tennessee is getting the first tastes of what may be bringing in a long, HOT summer. It's supposed to be in the low 90s today. It's only 11 am EST right now and it's already 82 F, with heat index of 86 F and humidity sitting at 54%. I guess we'll see if it's as sticky as yesterday. We started Vacation Bible School at my church last night and I was standing outside doing registration cards for the kids in my group, and

sweating bullets. I did ok asthma wise, but I did better once I got inside in the ac. I don't mind sweating, I just don't like breathing the warm moist air. It's like sucking through a straw. YUCK!, Co-ModeratorTo: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 9:55:34 AMSubject: Re: need copd info

You don't have to ever have smoked, it is probably second hand smoke. I never smoked either, but, my father smoked 2 packs a day, and back in the day everyone I knew smoked. And I worked in a steel mill for 13 years, asbestos, smokers, chemical air pollution, you name it. I have asthma, but then again I have had all kinds of allergies most of my life, and that sometimes just goes into asthma also. Sometimes The Dr's just group any kind of lung breathing problems all together and put them under the umbrella of COPD.From: "taurusrc@..."

To: asthma Cc: asthma Sent: Sun, May 29, 2011 8:38:58 PMSubject: Re: need copd info

I think many doctors have their own definition of COPD. It stands for

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is also described as a

combination of Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. My doctor recently

told me I do not have asthma but actually have COPD (although he had

been treating me for asthma for years). I do not have chronic

bronchitis but I do get it every Spring. I used to get a sore throat

every Spring but never do any more. He says I do not have emphysema -

yet.

So I think it is a "catchall" that doctors like to use when they don't

know exactly what you have, My asthma started when I was taking an

antibiotic - Biaxin and - they switched me to Avelox and it got worse

and I ended up in ER. The asthma never went away.

Ora

On Sun, 29 May 2011 14:32:23 -0700 (PDT), karan scott

wrote:

>ive had severe asthma 5yrs...difficult to control and now the ER doc tells me i have copd. how can i have this and ive neversmoked?

[Guest guest]

Pulmonologist's and diagnostic clinics do what is called a "six minute walk". You should ask your doc to do that. I am a wierdo, mine goes up during activity and drops during rest.MadelineSent via DROID on Verizon Wireless Re: need copd info COPD can have as its primary cause emphysema OR chronic bronchitis, or both. I have only emphysema, seen on xray in the lower lobes of both lungs. I seldom cough, but I have become increasingly short of breath since being diagnosed 10 years ago. So far I don't qualify for insurance to cover oxygen, but my blood oxygen saturation when I'm physically active (making the bed, carrying the vacuum to another room, walking up stairs, etc.) does drop below the number which would qualify me. Unfortunately they test you when you are sitting still or do a sleep test to determine whether you qualify. Slats> > >ive had severe asthma 5yrs...difficult to control and now the ER doc tells me i have copd. how can i have this and ive neversmoked?>

[Guest guest]

COPD is designated as a group of specific diseases, which chronic bronchitis and emphysema fall under. Depending on the circles of thought, asthma may or may not be included as part of COPD- the inflammation in the airways in asthma can be reversible so some schools say its not COPD, while others say it is. Ive learned it both ways. 90% of COPD is related to smoking and/or second hand smoke. The reason it is called COPD is because the two conditions that are most often associated with it cause non-reversible obstruction of the airways that eventually result in impaired gas exchange in the lungs and lowered oxygen saturations in the blood. COPD also tends to be progressive in nature, whereas asthma does not necessarily get worse with age.

In COPD, less air flows in and out of the airways because of one or more of the following:

The airways and air sacs lose their elastic quality.The walls between many of the air sacs are destroyed.The walls of the airways become thick and inflamed.The airways make more mucus than usual, which tends to clog them.

Chronic bronchitis is usually diagnosed when the person has a productive cough every day for 3 months over a 2 yr period.

Diagnosis for chronic bronchitis is done by clinical history and physical exam, while other tests such as chest X-rays, pulmonary function tests, and CT imaging studies may also be used.

Treatment of most people with chronic bronchitis is to quit cigarette smoking and avoid air-borne bronchial irritants; medical treatments include bronchodilators, steroids, and oxygen therapy.

The major complications of chronic bronchitis are severe shortness of breath, COPD, respiratory failure, and a high mortality rate.

Risk factors for chronic bronchitis include smoking, exposure to airborne chemicals and secondhand smoke, dust, and other bronchial irritants.

A majority of cases of chronic bronchitis can be prevented by not smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke. Avoidance of air-borne bronchial irritants, vaccinations, and asthma prevention may help prevent bouts of chronic bronchitis.

Although the disease is chronic and progressive, patients that are diagnosed early before much bronchial damage occurs and who stop smoking (or avoid airborne dust, chemicals or other situations that lead to bronchial irritation) often have a good prognosis for many years.Emphysema impairs the alveoli (air sacs) ability to exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide in the blood. Emphysematous lung looks like an old used sponge, with large holes and a dramatic loss of “springy-ness†or elasticity. When the lung is stretched during inflation (inhalation), the nature of the stretched tissue wants to relax to its resting state. In emphysema, this elastic function is impaired, resulting in air trapping in the lungs. Emphysema destroys this spongy tissue of the lung and also severely affects the small blood vessels (capillaries of the lung) and airways that run throughout the lung. Thus, not only is airflow affected but so is blood flow. Cigarette smoke contributes to this disease process in two ways. It destroys lung tissue, which results in the obstruction of air flow, and it causes inflammation and irritation of airways that can add to air flow obstruction.

Air pollution acts in a similar manner to cigarette smoke. The pollutants cause inflammation in the airways, leading to lung tissue destruction.

Close relatives of people with emphysema are more likely to develop the disease themselves. This is probably because the tissue sensitivity or response to smoke and other irritants may be inherited. The role of genetics in the development of emphysema, however, remains unclear.

Abnormal airway reactivity, such as bronchial asthma, has been shown to be a risk factor for the development of emphysema.

Men are more likely to develop emphysema than women. The exact reason for this is unknown, but differences between male and female hormones are suspected.

Older age is a risk factor for emphysema. Lung function normally declines with age. Therefore, it stands to reason that the older the person, the more likely they will have enough lung tissue destruction to produce emphysema.

It is important to emphasize that COPD is often not purely emphysema orbronchitis, but varying combinations of both.

Asthma can also develop after a lung infection. I suspect Ive had asthma for much longer than Ive actually been diagnosed with it...but the official diagnosis never came until after I fought with bronchitis for almost 5 months. It just wouldnt go away..and after that Ive had asthma since. It tends to run in our family, so Im sure there is a genetic component to it. Interestingly, my grampa had emphysema...he felt worse after he quit smoking, so he started up again. He never had oxygen until the very very end after he had a serious stroke.

Ann

Re: need copd info

I think many doctors have their own definition of COPD. It stands for

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is also described as a

combination of Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. My doctor recently

told me I do not have asthma but actually have COPD (although he had

been treating me for asthma for years). I do not have chronic

bronchitis but I do get it every Spring. I used to get a sore throat

every Spring but never do any more. He says I do not have emphysema -

yet.

So I think it is a "catchall" that doctors like to use when they don't

know exactly what you have, My asthma started when I was taking an

antibiotic - Biaxin and - they switched me to Avelox and it got worse

and I ended up in ER. The asthma never went away.

Ora

On Sun, 29 May 2011 14:32:23 -0700 (PDT), karan scott

wrote:

>ive had severe asthma 5yrs...difficult to control and now the ER doc tells me i have copd. how can i have this and ive neversmoked?

[Guest guest]

Same here with the car and the church van. It takes a while for either of them to cool down in this heat. It's now 89 F here but the humidity has dropped some.To: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 11:28:12 AMSubject: Re:

need copd info

I didn't know it was that bad out, until after I got in the car, and it was stifling, actually felt better outside, after getting out of the hot car. Need to watch the car, will send me to the hospital real fast.To: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 11:25:26 AMSubject: Re: need copd info

Yes It was sticky here yesterday too. I live outside of Pittsburgh. It also was very hot when I was out, so I didn't fool around, went from air conditioning in my home, to car, to store, and back the same way. LOL. Thank goodness I can do that. High summer heat, high humidity, they will bring me down, and it is really hard to get back up. So in any extreme weather I just stay home, cancel appointments, most of my Dr.'s know, and are ok with it, but sometimes other people are not so understanding. But, I figure I would rather not go through the hell of it if I don't have to.To: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 11:07:17 AMSubject: Re: need copd info

I smoked for 26 years and the last time I was tested, didn't have COPD. My doctor says it's associated with chronic bronchitis and emphysema mostly. I tend to get bronchitis frequently, but not often enough for it to be chronic. I probably could do well to be tested again soon anyway.On the asthma front, I'm a bit twitchy but not too bad. NE Tennessee is getting the first tastes of what may be bringing in a long, HOT summer. It's supposed to be in the low 90s today. It's only 11 am EST right now and it's already 82 F, with heat index of 86 F and humidity sitting at 54%. I guess we'll see if it's as sticky as yesterday. We started Vacation Bible School at my church last night and I was standing outside doing registration cards for the kids in my group, and

sweating bullets. I did ok asthma wise, but I did better once I got inside in the ac. I don't mind sweating, I just don't like breathing the warm moist air. It's like sucking through a straw. YUCK!, Co-ModeratorTo: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 9:55:34 AMSubject: Re: need copd info

You don't have to ever have smoked, it is probably second hand smoke. I never smoked either, but, my father smoked 2 packs a day, and back in the day everyone I knew smoked. And I worked in a steel mill for 13 years, asbestos, smokers, chemical air pollution, you name it. I have asthma, but then again I have had all kinds of allergies most of my life, and that sometimes just goes into asthma also. Sometimes The Dr's just group any kind of lung breathing problems all together and put them under the umbrella of COPD.From: "taurusrc@..."

To: asthma Cc: asthma Sent: Sun, May 29, 2011 8:38:58 PMSubject: Re: need copd info

I think many doctors have their own definition of COPD. It stands for

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is also described as a

combination of Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. My doctor recently

told me I do not have asthma but actually have COPD (although he had

been treating me for asthma for years). I do not have chronic

bronchitis but I do get it every Spring. I used to get a sore throat

every Spring but never do any more. He says I do not have emphysema -

yet.

So I think it is a "catchall" that doctors like to use when they don't

know exactly what you have, My asthma started when I was taking an

antibiotic - Biaxin and - they switched me to Avelox and it got worse

and I ended up in ER. The asthma never went away.

Ora

On Sun, 29 May 2011 14:32:23 -0700 (PDT), karan scott

wrote:

>ive had severe asthma 5yrs...difficult to control and now the ER doc tells me i have copd. how can i have this and ive neversmoked?

[Guest guest]

Great post Ann! Much appreciated!To: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 2:06:41 PMSubject: Re: need copd info

COPD is designated as a group of specific diseases, which chronic bronchitis and emphysema fall under. Depending on the circles of thought, asthma may or may not be included as part of COPD- the inflammation in the airways in asthma can be reversible so some schools say its not COPD, while others say it is. Ive learned it both ways. 90% of COPD is related to smoking and/or second hand smoke. The reason it is called COPD is because the two conditions that are most often associated with it cause non-reversible obstruction of the airways that eventually result in impaired gas exchange in the lungs and lowered oxygen saturations in the blood. COPD also tends to be progressive in nature, whereas asthma does not necessarily get worse with age.

In COPD, less air flows in and out of the airways because of one or more of the following:

The airways and air sacs lose their elastic quality.The walls between many of the air sacs are destroyed.The walls of the airways become thick and inflamed.The airways make more mucus than usual, which tends to clog them.

Chronic bronchitis is usually diagnosed when the person has a productive cough every day for 3 months over a 2 yr period.

Diagnosis for chronic bronchitis is done by clinical history and physical exam, while other tests such as chest X-rays, pulmonary function tests, and CT imaging studies may also be used.

Treatment of most people with chronic bronchitis is to quit cigarette smoking and avoid air-borne bronchial irritants; medical treatments include bronchodilators, steroids, and oxygen therapy.

The major complications of chronic bronchitis are severe shortness of breath, COPD, respiratory failure, and a high mortality rate.

Risk factors for chronic bronchitis include smoking, exposure to airborne chemicals and secondhand smoke, dust, and other bronchial irritants.

A majority of cases of chronic bronchitis can be prevented by not smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke. Avoidance of air-borne bronchial irritants, vaccinations, and asthma prevention may help prevent bouts of chronic bronchitis.

Although the disease is chronic and progressive, patients that are diagnosed early before much bronchial damage occurs and who stop smoking (or avoid airborne dust, chemicals or other situations that lead to bronchial irritation) often have a good prognosis for many years.Emphysema impairs the alveoli (air sacs) ability to exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide in the blood. Emphysematous lung looks like an old used sponge, with large holes and a dramatic loss of “springy-ness†or elasticity. When the lung is stretched during inflation (inhalation), the nature of the stretched tissue wants to relax to its resting state. In emphysema, this elastic function is impaired, resulting in air trapping in the lungs. Emphysema destroys this spongy tissue

of the lung and also severely affects the small blood vessels (capillaries of the lung) and airways that run throughout the lung. Thus, not only is airflow affected but so is blood flow. Cigarette smoke contributes to this disease process in two ways. It destroys lung tissue, which results in the obstruction of air flow, and it causes inflammation and irritation of airways that can add to air flow obstruction.

Air pollution acts in a similar manner to cigarette smoke. The pollutants cause inflammation in the airways, leading to lung tissue destruction.

Close relatives of people with emphysema are more likely to develop the disease themselves. This is probably because the tissue sensitivity or response to smoke and other irritants may be inherited. The role of genetics in the development of emphysema, however, remains unclear.

Abnormal airway reactivity, such as bronchial asthma, has been shown to be a risk factor for the development of emphysema.

Men are more likely to develop emphysema than women. The exact reason for this is unknown, but differences between male and female hormones are suspected.

Older age is a risk factor for emphysema. Lung function normally declines with age. Therefore, it stands to reason that the older the person, the more likely they will have enough lung tissue destruction to produce emphysema.

It is important to emphasize that COPD is often not purely emphysema orbronchitis, but varying combinations of both.

Asthma can also develop after a lung infection. I suspect Ive had asthma for much longer than Ive actually been diagnosed with it...but the official diagnosis never came until after I fought with bronchitis for almost 5 months. It just wouldnt go away..and after that Ive had asthma since. It tends to run in our family, so Im sure there is a genetic component to it. Interestingly, my grampa had emphysema...he felt worse after he quit smoking, so he started up again. He never had oxygen until the very very end after he had a serious stroke.

Ann

Re: need copd info

I think many doctors have their own definition of COPD. It stands for

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is also described as a

combination of Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. My doctor recently

told me I do not have asthma but actually have COPD (although he had

been treating me for asthma for years). I do not have chronic

bronchitis but I do get it every Spring. I used to get a sore throat

every Spring but never do any more. He says I do not have emphysema -

yet.

So I think it is a "catchall" that doctors like to use when they don't

know exactly what you have, My asthma started when I was taking an

antibiotic - Biaxin and - they switched me to Avelox and it got worse

and I ended up in ER. The asthma never went away.

Ora

On Sun, 29 May 2011 14:32:23 -0700 (PDT), karan scott

wrote:

>ive had severe asthma 5yrs...difficult to control and now the ER doc tells me i have copd. how can i have this and ive neversmoked?

[Guest guest]

thanks ann

your post was

really informative

i get bronchitis about 2x a yr my asthmas not ever been well controlled and

absolutely everything triggers me

>COPD is designated as a group of specific diseases, which chronic bronchitis

and emphysema fall under. Depending on the circles of thought, asthma may or may

not be included as part of COPD- the inflammation in the airways in asthma can

be reversible so some schools say its not COPD, while others say it is. Ive

learned it both ways. 90% of COPD is related to smoking and/or second hand

smoke. The reason it is called COPD is because the two conditions that are most

often associated with it cause non-reversible obstruction of the airways that

eventually result in impaired gas exchange in the lungs and lowered oxygen

saturations in the blood. COPD also tends to be progressive in nature, whereas

asthma does not necessarily get worse with age.

>In COPD, less air flows in and out of the airways because of one or more of the

following:

>

>The airways and air sacs lose their elastic quality.

>The walls between many of the air sacs are destroyed.

>The walls of the airways become thick and inflamed.

>The airways make more mucus than usual, which tends to clog them.

>

>

>

>Chronic bronchitis is usually diagnosed when the person has a productive cough

every day for 3 months over a 2 yr period.

>

>Diagnosis for chronic bronchitis is done by clinical history and physical exam,

while other tests such as chest X-rays, pulmonary function tests, and CT imaging

studies may also be used.

>

>

>Treatment of most people with chronic bronchitis is to quit cigarette smoking

and avoid air-borne bronchial irritants; medical treatments include

bronchodilators, steroids, and oxygen therapy.

>

>

>The major complications of chronic bronchitis are severe shortness of breath,

COPD, respiratory failure, and a high mortality rate.

>

>

>Risk factors for chronic bronchitis include smoking, exposure to airborne

chemicals and secondhand smoke, dust, and other bronchial irritants.

>

>

>A majority of cases of chronic bronchitis can be prevented by not smoking and

avoiding secondhand smoke. Avoidance of air-borne bronchial irritants,

vaccinations, and asthma prevention may help prevent bouts of chronic

bronchitis.

>

>

>Although the disease is chronic and progressive, patients that are diagnosed

early before much bronchial damage occurs and who stop smoking (or avoid

airborne dust, chemicals or other situations that lead to bronchial irritation)

often have a good prognosis for many years.

>Emphysema impairs the alveoli (air sacs) ability to exchange oxygen for carbon

dioxide in the blood. Emphysematous lung looks like an old used sponge, with

large holes and a dramatic loss of “springy-ness†or elasticity. When the

lung is stretched during inflation (inhalation), the nature of the stretched

tissue wants to relax to its resting state. In emphysema, this elastic function

is impaired, resulting in air trapping in the lungs. Emphysema destroys this

spongy tissue of the lung and also severely affects the small blood vessels

(capillaries of the lung) and airways that run throughout the lung. Thus, not

only is airflow affected but so is blood flow. Cigarette smoke contributes to

this disease process in two ways. It destroys lung tissue, which results in the

obstruction of air flow, and it causes inflammation and irritation of airways

that can add to air flow obstruction.

>

>Air pollution acts in a similar manner to cigarette smoke. The pollutants cause

inflammation in the airways, leading to lung tissue destruction.

>

>

>Close relatives of people with emphysema are more likely to develop the disease

themselves. This is probably because the tissue sensitivity or response to smoke

and other irritants may be inherited. The role of genetics in the development of

emphysema, however, remains unclear.

>

>

>Abnormal airway reactivity, such as bronchial asthma, has been shown to be a

risk factor for the development of emphysema.

>

>

>Men are more likely to develop emphysema than women. The exact reason for this

is unknown, but differences between male and female hormones are suspected.

>

>

>Older age is a risk factor for emphysema. Lung function normally declines with

age. Therefore, it stands to reason that the older the person, the more likely

they will have enough lung tissue destruction to produce emphysema.

>

>It is important to emphasize that COPD is often not purely emphysema

orbronchitis, but varying combinations of both.

>Asthma can also develop after a lung infection. I suspect Ive had asthma for

much longer than Ive actually been diagnosed with it...but the official

diagnosis never came until after I fought with bronchitis for almost 5 months.

It just wouldnt go away..and after that Ive had asthma since. It tends to run

in our family, so Im sure there is a genetic component to it. Interestingly, my

grampa had emphysema...he felt worse after he quit smoking, so he started up

again. He never had oxygen until the very very end after he had a serious

stroke.

>Ann

>

>

>

>

> Re: need copd info

>

>

>

>

>

>I think many doctors have their own definition of COPD. It stands for

>Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is also described as a

>combination of Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. My doctor recently

>told me I do not have asthma but actually have COPD (although he had

>been treating me for asthma for years). I do not have chronic

>bronchitis but I do get it every Spring. I used to get a sore throat

>every Spring but never do any more. He says I do not have emphysema -

>yet.

>

>So I think it is a " catchall " that doctors like to use when they don't

>know exactly what you have, My asthma started when I was taking an

>antibiotic - Biaxin and - they switched me to Avelox and it got worse

>and I ended up in ER. The asthma never went away.

>

>Ora

>

>On Sun, 29 May 2011 14:32:23 -0700 (PDT), karan scott

> wrote:

>

>>ive had severe asthma 5yrs...difficult to control and now the ER doc tells me

i have copd. how can i have this and ive neversmoked?

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Sure. Here it is.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/COPD-ALERT/

Slats

> >

> > >gonna get the complete treatment at uab today. I well let you enjoy know

how

> >well the tour guides present themselves. LOL

> > >

> > >Madeline

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks!To: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 4:23:53 PMSubject: Re: need copd info

Sure. Here it is.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/COPD-ALERT/

Slats

> >

> > >gonna get the complete treatment at uab today. I well let you enjoy know how

> >well the tour guides present themselves. LOL

> > >

> > >Madeline

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I think the news said it was about 85 here, but, that was hours ago. Opened the balcony door for a few minutes earlier, and shut it right back up. No way am I going out. Will grill the steaks on the Forman grill in the kitchen. Thank goodness for air-conditioning. It was sticky here last evening, felt sticky out today earlier. Was out on my balcony earlier this morning about 7, and was just warm, but, really moist out, could really feel it, I though maybe it would rain, but, hasn't so far.To: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 2:14:40 PMSubject: Re: need copd info

Same here with the car and the church van. It takes a while for either of them to cool down in this heat. It's now 89 F here but the humidity has dropped some.To: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 11:28:12 AMSubject: Re:

need copd info

I didn't know it was that bad out, until after I got in the car, and it was stifling, actually felt better outside, after getting out of the hot car. Need to watch the car, will send me to the hospital real fast.To: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 11:25:26 AMSubject: Re: need copd info

Yes It was sticky here yesterday too. I live outside of Pittsburgh. It also was very hot when I was out, so I didn't fool around, went from air conditioning in my home, to car, to store, and back the same way. LOL. Thank goodness I can do that. High summer heat, high humidity, they will bring me down, and it is really hard to get back up. So in any extreme weather I just stay home, cancel appointments, most of my Dr.'s know, and are ok with it, but sometimes other people are not so understanding. But, I figure I would rather not go through the hell of it if I don't have to.To: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 11:07:17 AMSubject: Re: need copd info

I smoked for 26 years and the last time I was tested, didn't have COPD. My doctor says it's associated with chronic bronchitis and emphysema mostly. I tend to get bronchitis frequently, but not often enough for it to be chronic. I probably could do well to be tested again soon anyway.On the asthma front, I'm a bit twitchy but not too bad. NE Tennessee is getting the first tastes of what may be bringing in a long, HOT summer. It's supposed to be in the low 90s today. It's only 11 am EST right now and it's already 82 F, with heat index of 86 F and humidity sitting at 54%. I guess we'll see if it's as sticky as yesterday. We started Vacation Bible School at my church last night and I was standing outside doing registration cards for the kids in my group, and

sweating bullets. I did ok asthma wise, but I did better once I got inside in the ac. I don't mind sweating, I just don't like breathing the warm moist air. It's like sucking through a straw. YUCK!, Co-ModeratorTo: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 9:55:34 AMSubject: Re: need copd info

You don't have to ever have smoked, it is probably second hand smoke. I never smoked either, but, my father smoked 2 packs a day, and back in the day everyone I knew smoked. And I worked in a steel mill for 13 years, asbestos, smokers, chemical air pollution, you name it. I have asthma, but then again I have had all kinds of allergies most of my life, and that sometimes just goes into asthma also. Sometimes The Dr's just group any kind of lung breathing problems all together and put them under the umbrella of COPD.From: "taurusrc@..."

To: asthma Cc: asthma Sent: Sun, May 29, 2011 8:38:58 PMSubject: Re: need copd info

I think many doctors have their own definition of COPD. It stands for

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is also described as a

combination of Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. My doctor recently

told me I do not have asthma but actually have COPD (although he had

been treating me for asthma for years). I do not have chronic

bronchitis but I do get it every Spring. I used to get a sore throat

every Spring but never do any more. He says I do not have emphysema -

yet.

So I think it is a "catchall" that doctors like to use when they don't

know exactly what you have, My asthma started when I was taking an

antibiotic - Biaxin and - they switched me to Avelox and it got worse

and I ended up in ER. The asthma never went away.

Ora

On Sun, 29 May 2011 14:32:23 -0700 (PDT), karan scott

wrote:

>ive had severe asthma 5yrs...difficult to control and now the ER doc tells me i have copd. how can i have this and ive neversmoked?

[Guest guest]

It's awful here with temp at 77 F and humidity at 76% to make the heat index 79 F. The air is thick. I'm glad for ac too. I'm definitely congested but not enough to warrant a dr trip yet. We'll see how it goes the next day or so.To: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 6:53:05

PMSubject: Re: need copd info

I think the news said it was about 85 here, but, that was hours ago. Opened the balcony door for a few minutes earlier, and shut it right back up. No way am I going out. Will grill the steaks on the Forman grill in the kitchen. Thank goodness for air-conditioning. It was sticky here last evening, felt sticky out today earlier. Was out on my balcony earlier this morning about 7, and was just warm, but, really moist out, could really feel it, I though maybe it would rain, but, hasn't so far.From: Canter

To: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 2:14:40 PMSubject: Re: need copd info

Same here with the car and the church van. It takes a while for either of them to cool down in this heat. It's now 89 F here but the humidity has dropped some.To: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 11:28:12 AMSubject: Re:

need copd info

I didn't know it was that bad out, until after I got in the car, and it was stifling, actually felt better outside, after getting out of the hot car. Need to watch the car, will send me to the hospital real fast.To: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 11:25:26 AMSubject: Re: need copd info

Yes It was sticky here yesterday too. I live outside of Pittsburgh. It also was very hot when I was out, so I didn't fool around, went from air conditioning in my home, to car, to store, and back the same way. LOL. Thank goodness I can do that. High summer heat, high humidity, they will bring me down, and it is really hard to get back up. So in any extreme weather I just stay home, cancel appointments, most of my Dr.'s know, and are ok with it, but sometimes other people are not so understanding. But, I figure I would rather not go through the hell of it if I don't have to.To: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 11:07:17 AMSubject: Re: need copd info

I smoked for 26 years and the last time I was tested, didn't have COPD. My doctor says it's associated with chronic bronchitis and emphysema mostly. I tend to get bronchitis frequently, but not often enough for it to be chronic. I probably could do well to be tested again soon anyway.On the asthma front, I'm a bit twitchy but not too bad. NE Tennessee is getting the first tastes of what may be bringing in a long, HOT summer. It's supposed to be in the low 90s today. It's only 11 am EST right now and it's already 82 F, with heat index of 86 F and humidity sitting at 54%. I guess we'll see if it's as sticky as yesterday. We started Vacation Bible School at my church last night and I was standing outside doing registration cards for the kids in my group, and

sweating bullets. I did ok asthma wise, but I did better once I got inside in the ac. I don't mind sweating, I just don't like breathing the warm moist air. It's like sucking through a straw. YUCK!, Co-ModeratorTo: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 9:55:34 AMSubject: Re: need copd info

You don't have to ever have smoked, it is probably second hand smoke. I never smoked either, but, my father smoked 2 packs a day, and back in the day everyone I knew smoked. And I worked in a steel mill for 13 years, asbestos, smokers, chemical air pollution, you name it. I have asthma, but then again I have had all kinds of allergies most of my life, and that sometimes just goes into asthma also. Sometimes The Dr's just group any kind of lung breathing problems all together and put them under the umbrella of COPD.From: "taurusrc@..."

To: asthma Cc: asthma Sent: Sun, May 29, 2011 8:38:58 PMSubject: Re: need copd info

I think many doctors have their own definition of COPD. It stands for

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is also described as a

combination of Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. My doctor recently

told me I do not have asthma but actually have COPD (although he had

been treating me for asthma for years). I do not have chronic

bronchitis but I do get it every Spring. I used to get a sore throat

every Spring but never do any more. He says I do not have emphysema -

yet.

So I think it is a "catchall" that doctors like to use when they don't

know exactly what you have, My asthma started when I was taking an

antibiotic - Biaxin and - they switched me to Avelox and it got worse

and I ended up in ER. The asthma never went away.

Ora

On Sun, 29 May 2011 14:32:23 -0700 (PDT), karan scott

wrote:

>ive had severe asthma 5yrs...difficult to control and now the ER doc tells me i have copd. how can i have this and ive neversmoked?

[Guest guest]

On Mon, 30 May 2011 19:13:45 -0700 (PDT), Canter wrote

>

> > It's awful here with temp at 77 F and humidity at 76% to make the heat index 79 F. The air is thick. I'm glad for ac too. I'm definitely congested but not enough to warrant a dr trip yet. We'll see how it goes the next day or so.

>

I am near Port Huron Michigan about 63 miles NE of Detroit and two days ago it was 45 degrees and today it went up to 90.

No rain today though although yesterday there severe storms in MI but they mostly bypassed Port Huron.  We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Barb

[Guest guest]

Yep it is that time of year. All of that rain we had, now the debilitating heat, can't win for losing. LOL.To: asthma Sent: Mon, May 30, 2011 10:56:18 PMSubject: Re: need copd info

On Mon, 30 May 2011 19:13:45 -0700 (PDT), Canter wrote

> > > It's awful here with temp at 77 F and humidity at 76% to make the heat index 79 F. The air is thick. I'm glad for ac too. I'm definitely congested but not enough to warrant a dr trip yet. We'll see how it goes the next day or so.

>

I am near Port Huron Michigan about 63 miles NE of Detroit and two days ago it was 45 degrees and today it went up to 90.

No rain today though although yesterday there severe storms in MI but they mostly bypassed Port Huron. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Barb

[Guest guest]

They are saying our heat indexes will be in the 100s this week. Its not supposed to go below 97 for daytime highs.

Ann

Re: need copd info

I think many doctors have their own definition of COPD. It stands for

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is also described as a

combination of Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. My doctor recently

told me I do not have asthma but actually have COPD (although he had

been treating me for asthma for years). I do not have chronic

bronchitis but I do get it every Spring. I used to get a sore throat

every Spring but never do any more. He says I do not have emphysema -

yet.

So I think it is a "catchall" that doctors like to use when they don't

know exactly what you have, My asthma started when I was taking an

antibiotic - Biaxin and - they switched me to Avelox and it got worse

and I ended up in ER. The asthma never went away.

Ora

On Sun, 29 May 2011 14:32:23 -0700 (PDT), karan scott

wrote:

>ive had severe asthma 5yrs...difficult to control and now the ER doc tells me i have copd. how can i have this and ive neversmoked?

[Guest guest]

Hi Ann and all .... I'm live 15 min. away from NYC and have been having the worst time ever because of our weather. It started with the miserable cold and damp weather -- temps in low 50's and of course there would be no heat being sent up this time of the year and my apartment was unbearable. We were like that for about a month when from out of nowhere we shot up to the 80's for two days and then right back down to 50's. Then and now we are having hot and very humid weather and my lungs are so bad. Our heat index is somewhere around 95+ and this is only the beginning of the summer. I have asthma, sjogren's & lupus in lungs and pulmonary fibrosis. The pain from the fibrosis is usually on the bottom of my lungs but this time I wish I knew what was going on with me because I'm having constant pain that feels like is coming from underneath both of my ribs ... and then pain on both sides. I have asked pulm and rheumy if there was any way for me to determine whether this was asthma or my other lung problems and they couldn't give me an honest answer. I used to love the summer but now fear it coming because I know what happens to me. Thanks for letting me vent ..... I hope all of us somehow will have a good summer.SharonFrom:ANN Subject:Re: need copd infoDate:May 31, 2011 3:25:22 PM EDTTo:asthma They are saying our heat indexes will be in the 100s this week. Its not supposed to go below 97 for daytime highs.Ann Re: need copd info I think many doctors have their own definition of COPD. It stands forChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is also described as acombination of Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. My doctor recentlytold me I do not have asthma but actually have COPD (although he hadbeen treating me for asthma for years). I do not have chronicbronchitis but I do get it every Spring. I used to get a sore throatevery Spring but never do any more. He says I do not have emphysema -yet.So I think it is a "catchall" that doctors like to use when they don'tknow exactly what you have, My asthma started when I was taking anantibiotic - Biaxin and - they switched me to Avelox and it got worseand I ended up in ER. The asthma never went away.Ora>ive had severe asthma 5yrs...difficult to control and now the ER doc tells me i have copd. how can i have this and ive neversmoked?

[Guest guest]

Yes, this weather is scary, first you get sick from the dampness, and before you are well, you get sick from the heat, Very scary.To: asthma ; asthma Sent: Tue, May 31, 2011 4:11:40 PMSubject: Re: need copd info

Hi Ann and all .... I'm live 15 min. away from NYC and have been having the worst time ever because of our weather. It started with the miserable cold and damp weather -- temps in low 50's and of course there would be no heat being sent up this time of the year and my apartment was unbearable. We were like that for about a month when from out of nowhere we shot up to the 80's for two days and then right back down to 50's. Then and now we are having hot and very humid weather and my lungs are so bad. Our heat index is somewhere around 95+ and this is only the beginning of the summer. I have asthma, sjogren's & lupus in lungs and pulmonary fibrosis. The pain from the fibrosis is usually on the bottom of my lungs but this time I wish I knew what was going on with me because I'm having constant pain that feels like is coming from underneath both of my ribs

.... and then pain on both sides. I have asked pulm and rheumy if there was any way for me to determine whether this was asthma or my other lung problems and they couldn't give me an honest answer. I used to love the summer but now fear it coming because I know what happens to me. Thanks for letting me vent ..... I hope all of us somehow will have a good summer.SharonFrom:ANN Subject:Re: need copd infoDate:May 31, 2011 3:25:22 PM EDTTo:asthma They are saying our heat indexes will be in the 100s this week. Its not supposed to go below 97 for daytime highs.Ann Re: need copd info I think many doctors have their own definition of COPD. It stands forChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is also described as acombination of Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. My doctor recentlytold me I do not have asthma but actually have COPD (although he

hadbeen treating me for asthma for years). I do not have chronicbronchitis but I do get it every Spring. I used to get a sore throatevery Spring but never do any more. He says I do not have emphysema -yet.So I think it is a "catchall" that doctors like to use when they don'tknow exactly what you have, My asthma started when I was taking anantibiotic - Biaxin and - they switched me to Avelox and it got worseand I ended up in ER. The asthma never went away.Ora>ive had severe asthma 5yrs...difficult to control and now the ER doc tells me i have copd. how can i have this and ive

neversmoked?

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon.You do have a handful. I have several conditions as well, and summer is not my favorite season either. I just hide inside in the air conditioning. Stay cool.MadelineSent via DROID on Verizon Wireless Re: need copd info I think many doctors have their own definition of COPD. It stands forChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is also described as acombination of Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. My doctor recentlytold me I do not have asthma but actually have COPD (although he hadbeen treating me for asthma for years). I do not have chronicbronchitis but I do get it every Spring. I used to get a sore throatevery Spring but never do any more. He says I do not have emphysema -yet.So I think it is a "catchall" that doctors like to use when they don'tknow exactly what you have, My asthma started when I was taking anantibiotic - Biaxin and - they switched me to Avelox and it got worseand I ended up in ER. The asthma never went away.Ora>ive had severe asthma 5yrs...difficult to control and now the ER doc tells me i have copd. how can i have this and ive neversmoked?