I AM CONFUSED

[morningstar]

I have had what the doctors called chronic bronchitis for years. Even back when I was in college. I just read on Efforts that chrionic bronchitis also known as COPD if this is true and I am not saying it is only asking. Does that mean I have had COPD sense I was 19 my first bad bronchitis. What do you think people for 30+ years 2 years after starting to smoke.

Thanks for any input in advance.

Rosemarie

[cheryl]

That's a good question for the doctor when you go see him.

[larrynz]

Bronchitis is not COPD, it would just be called bronchitis.
COPD is an umbrella term meaning a collection of lung problems, often bronchitis is included, I had it a lot as a child. Some doctors speculate that bronchitis leads to other lung diseases as we get older.

[morningstar]

Thanks Cheryl and Larry.

[maryaz]

Here are a couple links that I will share for everyone that wants to read more about what is COPD. However, I don't know myself what the right definition is today because since I have had COPD I believe they altered it somewhat. I think primarily with the asthma part. I don't claim to know.

When I was dx'd and reading I remember that if you were treated for bronchitis so many times within a ryear, then you were considered chronic. Again, this is just a start and maybe someone can get this in more detail.

I thought the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute had it right?
www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/copd/index.htm

Then there is a good read on Lung Assn. It talks about Chronic Bronchitis and this is only one of other paragraphs:

Chronic bronchitis doesn't strike suddenly and is often neglected by individuals until it is in an advanced state, because people mistakenly believe that the disease is not life-threatening. By the time a patient goes to his or her doctor the lungs have frequently been seriously injured. Then the patient may be in danger of developing serious respiratory problems or heart failure.

www.lungusa.org/site/apps/s/content.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=34706&ct=3052283

I have never yet been too keen on the Lung Assn. It has to do with another part on this page.
www.lungusa.org/site/apps/s/content.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=34706&ct=910861

Part of the page says:
Bronchiectasis is one of the chronic obstructive pulmonary diseasesCOPD )* and it can be complicated byemphysema and bronchitis.

But at the bottom of the page it says:
The American Lung Association's COPD statistics do not usually include bronchiectasis.

As bad as COPD could use finances and I know several people with Bronchiectasis, it might be nice to count it. I must be missing something. COPD is sure a mind boggling disease to say the least. I will never put the pieces together in my lifetime.

[maryaz]

Jackie; If you are around, can we move this to the COPD section. I just realized it is in General. Thanks,

[morningstar]

MaryAZ,

Thank you for the info. I have read some of it and will go back and read more. I do believe COPD is something most of us will never fulling understand.

I put this in General as I did want to move out what was there. I knew it would be found here and answered as well.

Happy Trails

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

It's my understanding as well that the "definitions" of COPD have been modified slightly. Probably the best thing to do would be to read the latest ATS Guidelines, the CTS guidelines or GOLD's. I've not looked at them since early 2006.

I share your opinion Mary; whether it's the American Lung Ass. or the Canadian Lung Ass. ....they're the same and frankly I don't put a lot of stock into them; they're both predominantly "Asthma" and "raising funds"....and a whole lot other problems "relating" to COPDer's etc. But; that's another issue.

Rose; The definition as I recall of chronic bronchitis is that it it has to occur for 3 months or more for 2 years (unless that's been changed too). Bouts of bronchitis, even in our youth wouldn't qualify but Larry's right in that it can lead to CB and/or lung problems in later years. I use to get bouts of bronchitis when I was younger, guaranteed, every time the seasons changed. Spring and Fall were the worst for me. Did I have CB then? No.

[morningstar]

Yes I have read all Mary left and I had it as a kid I guess a lot but I don't think it was really chronic as much as bouts of it like you said season change. A bad cold going into the chest. But I also remember as a child mom had to spray somethings called congest-aid on my pillow so I could breathe right. So maybe it all played together. Now in this new that Larry has found cured meat. I was raised country cured meat was and still is somewhat a way of life.
I guess the bottom line is we have it and they don't know really what caused it and as of yet they don't have a cure.

[LindaNY]

Yes Rosie, we have it and that's all that matters now. Now we"deal" with it to the best of our abilities.

My pulmo did say that frequent bouts of bronchitis and Asthma attacks can scar the lungs, especially in smokers.

[morningstar]

Linda,
Yes the sure is the bottom line. And all for the puff of a cigarette. Makes one wonder why they ever picked them up such a dirty habit.

Thanks Linda glad to have you on board here.

[LindaNY]

Thanks Rosie, I'm glad to be here.

Have you ever read through the National Jewish Hospital site? They may have more information for you.

They are one of the top pulmonary hospitals in the world.
Remember the TB lawyer who flew to Greece to get married? He snuck back into the country in order to go there for treatment.
Here is the link.

www.njc.org/

[morningstar]

Linda,

Thanks a lot . I have read there. I have so many questions. So many of us COPDer's had Whopping Cough when we were young some thinks its connected some feel its not. As for me I am not sure either. Trying to read up on that also. Thanks for the link I will be reading there.

Happy Trails