Lung Function Results

[Rena705]

Well, I had my lung function test today and it was very educational!  I do NOT have Asthma!  That is a huge relief to me!  I do NOT have COPD!  That is also a huge relief to me!

I do however have a diminished lung capacity of 70% with reason unknown.  I also have an oxygen level that is lower than normal, unknown reason.

The technician that did the test said that I should be seen by a lung specialist and asked if I had an appointment with one?  I responded no and he said that my g.p. will get the results from his testing tomorrow.  I, however, don't have an appointment with my g.p. until Feb. 6th...don't know if it is important enough that I should hear from my dr. right away or if this is something that can wait until the 6th...does anyone know?

[Rena705]

Oops, I forgot, when I was at the ER they did a test to see how hard I could breathe out after having meds and the reading was up to 300.  The test I did today, even after meds, I only got up to 250.  He was concerned that my numbers had not increased.  Any guesses?

Rena705

[Quixotic1]

I'm glad about the not asthma.  But, I'm wondering if you have some sort of restrictive lung problem.  It can be with a stiffness of the lungs themselves or with a failure of the chest to adequately expand to allow for enough air.

Your PEF (peak expiratory flow) is decreased.  After a couple weeks on inhaled steroids, I, too would think it would be higher.

Keep us posted.  I also was NOT a pulmonologist.  

Quix

[Rena705]

Thanks for responding Quix...my adoptive mother has pulmonary fibrosis which is explained to her as a hardening of the lungs.  The tech mentioned today a failure of the chest to expand adequately could be the problem...what do you think could cause this?  I have never heard of this and I am intrigued...any idea?

I am hoping that PEF will improve, I have only been on inhaled steroids for 4 days...I am sure they will improve with time as you say.

Rena

[Wobbly]

I also had the pulmonary function testing done, I don't have Asthma or COPD, they said I have "narrow passageway" shortness of breath.. I find it difficult to breath all the way out??  they called it Reactive Airway Disease...Not known why I have it??  Specialist gave me Advair and puffer.  I don't use the daily advair as it gave me bad side effects...but I use the puffer every week or two.  sometimes it works and sometimes not...the tightness and shortness of breath...let me know what comes up for you..thanks

Andie