Avatar universal

emphysema or chronic bronchitis

Having a FEV1 of  27%, twice a year I go for free checkups at a local public hospital here in Spain and see a different lung doctor every time, they all agree I have severe COPD but while most of them  say I have chronic bronchitis, the one I saw a couple weeks ago said no, no, I had emphysema instead. I don't know why I'd like to know, even though both diseases are incurable and progressive, I'd like to know which one I'm probably going to die from. Now my question is: Is there a way to determine which of the two I have? Is there anything I could tell the doctor during my next checkup in April to have him/her formulate a more accurate diagnosis? Thanks for any suggestion. Good luck to all fellow sufferers - forum readers!
2 Responses
Avatar universal
Hi, COPD is a permanent change to the lungs, whereas symptoms of bronchitis can keep varying. The normal spirometry values are FVC-80-120% and FEV-80-120%. Also, FEV1/FVC ratio, is a calculated ratio used in the diagnosis of obstructive and restrictive diseases. A diagnosis of COPD is made when the FEV1/FVC ratio is less than 70%. In bronchitis there will be pre and post bronchodilator improvement in spirometry values indicating bronchospasm. But both conditions can co exist. Regards.
Avatar universal
Dear Doctor Paderla
thanks a lot for your explanation (though I'm afraid it is telling me that have both!). Best regards, 26245
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Emphysema Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
When it comes to your health, timing is everything
We’ve got a crash course on metabolism basics.