I was sent to a pulmonologist About 6 months after my Dr put me on an inhaler to get a second opinion. The best move my Dr could have made for me. Got me tested right and on better medications. I would ask for second opinion as I have never heard of it only being in one lung.

Dana3
Confused about what? I was told I had emphysema in 1993, within 6 yrs chronic bronchitis joined the party ( it comes with mucas? filling your lungs ) that's when you start using a nebulizer to help break it up so you can cough it up, not fun. I'm going on 30+ yrs and I use the nebulizer 2 times a day, The earlier you get started getting healthy with stamina thru exercise and advice from pulmo Dr. the better.

The Key is to not loose Hope. It is a progressive disease and terminal but I'm doing Great and just got off of oxygen 24/7 for the 4th time to start off 2023. Yee Ha!
Hope I didn't scare you, but it's not a Joke. Your primary and/or pulmo Dr may not act like it's a big deal at 1st, I don't know why they would not but it is Life Changing.

Exercise, a No Give Up Attitude, and the Faith you need to have a Good Life depends on You. Too many people are ready to give up, when that's the last thing you want to do.

I believe it's only by God's Amazing Grace that I've been able to keep coming back and will continue to do so. I'm getting my boat ready to get back to Fishing. It's in the outdoors and on a Lake that I escape the World and see God's Creations.

Well, remember to stay active. Trust God and Leave All The Consequences To Him. You Got This!
God Bless Us All +++ :-)

I think I have taken every kind of blood pressure medication there is on the market and nothing keeps it under control for very long. I have been moderate emphysema for maybe 6 or so years and I haven't had to use my inhaler more than probably 6 times in all those years. However, my PCP got me in to see a pulmonologist right in the beginning, so I would suggest you do the same. That way he/she can keep track of how you are doing and treat you from there. I told my pulmo that I didn't want a nebulizer and he is fine with that--so far. I wish you luck @A MyCOPDTeam Member. If your PCP doesn't think you need a pulmo or won't refer you to one, you INSIST on having one; that is your right and it's your body.😊
July 8, 2023

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Dana
Yes you need to see a Pulmo to stay ahead of it, and Yes Exercise is # 1, aside from God. Slow Down and Breathe Eazy :-)

I should have added that the definitive tool for diagnosing COPD is a spirometry or Pulmonary Function Test. This is not only a tool for diagnosis, but also helps in determining what meds are appropriate to prescribe. A CT scan may show emphysema, as most of us (everyone, not just people with lung disease, develop what would be described in a CT scan report as "emphysematous changes". You need to see a pulmonologist and have a full diagnostic workup. Then you'll know for sure what you're dealing with and so will your PCP. My guess is that you'll both learn something with this plan.