I have never had a spirometry test. I imagine I probably have COPD as I have smoked off and on for 45 years. Should I be tested? What are the benefits? Are there meds that help or other ways I could help myself if I KNEW? Is it important to know? Scares me.......
I smoked for 52 years and I w uld say heavily there were times in my life that I smoked 2 to 3 packs a day in the last 20 years i got it down to about 25 cigs a day . Every time that I went to a doctor they would comment on how bad my lungs sounded and I knew it myself from all the coughing and wheezing I endured . ( one reason that I quit ! ) I was given Spirva at one point but gave it up because I did not want to be breathing in medicine on top of the smoke and i thought my lungs may have become dependent on the inhalers .
since i quit my lungs have really improved I never got tested but the doctor who checked me just a few montha after i quit could not believe how improved my breathing sounded . I will not get tested unless my lungs should suddenly become affected as an ex- smoker . I am sure others who know more about the benefits will come along to answer your questions . I am a believer in "Your food is your medicine " so I try to stay away from chemical meds of all kinds as much as possible !