I find that people dont really understand what it is like not to be able to breathe, because I look 'normal' that's now people see me. It really can be frustrating when people are rushing on ahead of me and I cannot keep up, to my son, my breathlessness is now 'normal'

AGREE..First thing is get a full function PFT test in the Chamber...To test for Apha 1 which is hereditary and mainly appears at a young age is a simple Blood Prick to your finger, same as getting a blood sugar level test, when on Prednisone for maintenance....

NOTE Alpha1 and general COPD have different treatment methods....Try this Link
http://www.webmd.com/lung/copd/tc/copd-and-alph...

According to some pulmo Drs. , any asthma, bronchitis, emphazema is COPD. I would try to get a second opinion. Good luck. God Bless Hugs

Good luck God bless. Don't give up. Hugs

have you been referred to a thoracic specialist to be properly diagnosed. That really is from my understanding the only way to have COPD correctly diagnosed.