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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
COPD and Acromegaly
Answered by
This forum is for questions and support regarding lung and respiratory issues such as: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds - Flu, Chronic Cough, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Fibrosis, Lung Abscess, Nasal Polyps, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sarcoidosis, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis.
COPD and Acromegaly
by Suz S, Nov 17, 2006 12:00AM
Do the respiratory system changes that come with acromegaly ever get reversed and if so, how long does it take; and is there a way to tell on PFT tests what can be attributed to acromegaly? I was diagnosed 4 years ago with COPD after being totally unable to breathe at the conclusion of a pulm.func.test (despite being ambulatory, though a little short of breath minutes before). Almost 2 yrs later (during which time there was worsening no matter what medical regimen was followed), I was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor which produced excessive growth hormones (high point of 1190 IFG-1). I recently learned that acromegaly will contribute to lung disease through: "edema and hypertrophy of mucosae and pharyngeal and laryngeal cartilages . .. inspiratory collapse of the hypopharinx . . . nasal polyps . . . rarely, a laryngocele . . . pneumomegaly is frequently observed and . . . might be due to an increased number rather than volume of alveoli . . . obstructive SAS [sleep apnea syndrome]. . . (Fatti, L.M., et al, "Prevalence and Pathogenesis of Sleep Apnea and Lung Disease in Acromegaly," Pituitary, Vol 4 No 4, Sept 2001, pp. 259-262)
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Dec 05, 2006 12:00AM
, Dec 05, 2006 12:00AM
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) can measure some of the changes caused by acromegaly. After acromegaly is treated with medicine for 3 to 11 months some of these measurements may improve. So PFTs can be used to monitor these changes over time.
For some, treating acromegaly surgically reverses obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, for others, OSA continues after acromegaly has been surgically cured. Then the OSA should be treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This machine delivers continuous air pressure into the lungs to keep the airways open during sleep. It is 95% effective in controlling OSA.
For some, treating acromegaly surgically reverses obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, for others, OSA continues after acromegaly has been surgically cured. Then the OSA should be treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This machine delivers continuous air pressure into the lungs to keep the airways open during sleep. It is 95% effective in controlling OSA.
