MadScientist

Hi All,

I am a 36 yr old male who was dx'd with "COPD" about 6 yrs ago. We have the routine spirometry tests every year at work and that was what first indicated I have a problem. My FEV1 changed over the years from 78% to 76% to 68% to 50% and then back up to 65% and then back down to 48% and back up again.

I underwent the full PFT testing (except for the methylcholine test ) and I showed roughly 13% improvement after albuterol use. My diffuse capacity was over 100%. I was told by the pulmo that I had COPD, gave me an inhaler for use when needed and sent me on my merry way.

I recently went to another pulmo at a teaching university hospital and had more spirometry done. He said my results from past years were "all over the place" and this years results were better than in 2000. He said this was indicative of asthma and has started me on Advair 250/50.

I'm not sure it's asthma. I've never had a full blown asthma attack. My symptoms were shortness of breath upon excertion and a dry cough that has been around for quite awhile. The shortness of breath has become worse over the past few years. My x-rays were clear and no flattening of the diaphragm. (I've never smoked).

The Advair has made a really big difference in how I've felt and breathed. I don't get nearly as winded as easily. However, my personal peak flow meter has shown only a 10% improvement in my FEV1 and my peak flow stays in the 360 range which is in the "yellow zone". I've been on the Advair for only 3 weeks.

I know everyone has different synptoms but does this sound like asthma? Before the Advair, I would take a hit of the albuterol in the morning to help me get going. Some days it felt like I was having to conciously inhale harder in order to speak. Are these symptoms consistent with Asthma? I go back for an HRCT scan in two weeks just to rule other stuff out.

Thanks for your responses in advance.