COPD

[Dang88]

I had been diagnosed with Asthma but after several months of breathing difficulties the Dr was thinking Asthmatic Bronchitis and sent me for Xray. Xray came back with. Thrachea is midline. The cardiac silhouette apears normal in size. The lungs appear Hyperlucent with increased air space. The hila pulmonary vessels and osseous structures appear unremarkable. Impression. No accute process. Hyperlucent Lungs with increaced air space suggesting COPD. I am scheduled to see doctor soon but anxious to know what form of COPD this is, what stage, and prognosis. I have quit smoking since results of Xray.

[mazie66]

explain the pathophysiology of dyspnoea

[National Jewish Health]

The observation of “Hyperlucent Lungs with increaced air space…” is quite compatible with the diagnosis of asthma.  One need not invoke these findings to suggest the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  There are much better ways to distinguish between asthma and COPD, despite the fact that these 2 diseases have many features in common, most strikingly obstruction to air flow.

If the findings are due to asthma, that indicates sub-optimum control.  That you have quit smoking presents a terrific opportunity.  The opportunity to quit smoking for good!!  I urge you to do just that.

Then ask your doctor to order pulmonary function tests (PFTs), before and after the administration of a bronchodilator.  It is a much better way than the chest x-ray to distinguish between asthma and COPD.  If you should turn out to have COPD, it will allow for a quantitative assessment of the severity and enable your doctor to speak to prognosis.  Whatever prognosis is rendered, it will be enhanced by cigarette smoking.  Finally, if you should have COPD, you should know that it is a treatable disease.

Good luck.