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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
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.
Posted by MidnightBlue on May 6, 2006, at 21:32:48
In reply to does this make sense, posted by saturn on May 6, 2006, at 20:33:16
Those meds are also used for COPD. It doesn't matter how old you are. If you have a problem, you have a problem. I think you should give them a try.
MB
Posted by saturn on May 6, 2006, at 21:40:17
In reply to Re: does this make sense » saturn, posted by MidnightBlue on May 6, 2006, at 21:32:48
> Those meds are also used for COPD. It doesn't matter how old you are. If you have a problem, you have a problem. I think you should give them a try.
Thanks MB. I've already started them.
My doc says I don't have COPD or emphysema, but hopefully these will help.
sat
This is the end of the thread.
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