Yes, Barbscloud. COPD is an umbrella term like cancer. Cancer of the what, metastisized, large cell vs. small cell, etc. COPD generally starts out with one of 3 major illnesses (chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and/or asthma.) Other lung illnesses may later develop from the damage done by the original illness. That's why no 2 people have the same COPD or should have the same treatment plan! I, for example, first had undiagnosed untreated asthma. Then I got chronic bronchitis but 30 years ago the doctors didn't explain anything to me. On March 14, 2010 I was diagnosed with emphysema and therefore, COPD. Only then was I also diagnosed with asthma. I also have bronchiectasis caused by COPD and adding to it. Bronchiectasis is an irreversible, chronic condition where airways in your lungs (bronchi) become damaged and abnormally widened from recurring inflammation or infection. I have what's referred colloqually as ground glass nodules as well. My pulmonologist monitors it for growth indicating lung cancer, COPD is very complicated and even most general practitioners don't understand much about it. That's why it's important to have a pulmonologist. Trelegy is not a one-size-fits-all (in spite of the publicity.)
