“Did i have covid 19?”
In Nov. and Dec. 2019 I was sick. I had a cough, no fever thought I was getting the flu, I had a lot of congestion in my chest I took Mucinex cough syrup and anything the pharmacy had to break up the stuff in my lungs. By Jan 2, 2020, I could not breathe I would sit in the bathroom running the hot water for the steam. On Jan. 3rd, I went to the emergency room and was given albuterol-ipratropium I was given a adviair inhaler, prednisone, azithromycen, methylprednisolone, and I've been taking all that since Jan. 2020 i have never had any problems breathing until now. Do you think that I had covid 19 and the doc told me I have COPD?
Female
1 Answer
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a chronic condition of the lungs, most commonly caused by smoking. Onset usually occurs in a person's age onset of 40-50. COPD can have independent flair ups, however, they are usually caused by other underlying causes such as infection, allergies, asthma; or more rare diseases such as congestive heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, vasculitis, cancer +/- autoimmune diseases.
Although it is possible that an underlying infection triggered your symptoms, COVID 19, as well as other possible virus etiologies, tend to cause a fever. Most people recover from COVID 19 and the flu with supportive care in a few weeks. Some people can have a residual cough for up to 4-8 weeks. Sometimes cough can trigger underlying problems such as asthma, COPD, and allergies.
It seems from your description that treatment was provided for a bacterial infection and flare up of underlying COPD and symptoms. If you are a smoker and have not quit, this could still be causing symptoms. Most importantly, if you feel that your symptoms are still significant, or are worsening, a follow up with your doctor is required for possible further work up or reassurance.
Although it is possible that an underlying infection triggered your symptoms, COVID 19, as well as other possible virus etiologies, tend to cause a fever. Most people recover from COVID 19 and the flu with supportive care in a few weeks. Some people can have a residual cough for up to 4-8 weeks. Sometimes cough can trigger underlying problems such as asthma, COPD, and allergies.
It seems from your description that treatment was provided for a bacterial infection and flare up of underlying COPD and symptoms. If you are a smoker and have not quit, this could still be causing symptoms. Most importantly, if you feel that your symptoms are still significant, or are worsening, a follow up with your doctor is required for possible further work up or reassurance.
