Posted by saturn on May 6, 2006, at 20:33:16
I recently had a Pulmonary Function Test/Spirometry to evaluate shortness of breath.
Everything was normal except it showed overinflation/significantly increased lung volumes (the report concluded "overinflation without concurrent obstruction is of uncertain significance").
A chest x-ray confirmed hyperinflation of both lungs (scarring was also evident from my past smoking). I'm pretty sure this means I have "air trapping". I also thought this usually meant emphysema. I'm only 28--but an ex-smoker.
Anyhow, despite a pulse ox of 99%, my PFT showing low airway resistance and no evidence of asthma---my doc wrote me scripts for Singulair, Flovent and Albuterol.
She said she wanted to focus more on my symptoms rather than test results. I see her point but I've never had any symptoms of asthma such as wheezing, and my exercise tolerance is excellent---I can run 5 miles if I wish-I'm just chronically short of breath. I've had a normal echocardiogram but will have a stress echo also soon.
Anyhow, I'm starting to babble. My lungs are very hyperventilated on x-ray. I mean they look like they could burst right out of my chest. I'm still concerned I may have emphysema. The hyperventilation has even shifted my heart such that it is evident on EKG. I've seen x-rays of emphysema patients and that's what mine looks like.
Does it make sense to try asthma meds here? I mean, if they work, I won't complain, but I question her judgement. I still think I may have emphysema and asked for a referral to a pulmonary doc. She wants to see how I respond to the singulair and flovent in two weeks instead.
poster:saturn
thread:640754
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20060330/msgs/640754.html