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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Diagnosis of Mild Emphysema
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.
Diagnosis of Mild Emphysema
by JABCMom, Jun 24, 2005 12:00AM
I am a 37 year old mother of 3. At my annual physical my doctor had me do the spirometer test. He says I blew at 80% which indicates mild emphysema. My question is: as I was just getting over a bad cold (coughing a lot!) and he is not doing any other testing also not having me come back until next years physical, is it possible that this is a misdiagnosis? I have asked on another board as well. In reading about COPD on the various sights it seems like it is not diagnosed unless you blow less than 75% and usually re-take test after using an inhaler to test for asthma. Thanks for any advice you can give me.
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Jul 01, 2005 12:00AM
, Jul 01, 2005 12:00AM
The interpretation depends on which of the breathing measurements was 80%. However, one should be hesitant to make the diagnosis of emphysema based on any test of 80% or more. The test may be invalid if you were coughing and unable to give a maximum effort. I would not worry about this. I suggest you wait until you completely recover from the cold. Have the test repeated when you are no longer coughing, even with a deep breath and rapid exhalation. You can do this at either your doctor's office or at a local Health Fair.
Member Comments (2)
by Inanga, Jun 29, 2005 12:00AM
sounds like a classic case of needing a 2nd opinion. I'd wait until the cold & coughing has gone completely. If you come out clean you'll be happy and if you DO have a problem at least it will be confirmed and can be treated appropriately. I don't think it's fair for doc #1 to leave you hanging like that for a year - he doesn't undertand the potential psychological impact or worry. Also are you diaphragm breathing or just chest breathing - this would influence the test results I think. good luck. if it's worrying you then you should persue it further.
by banul, Sep 12, 2008 08:01AM
A related discussion, mild emphysema, bullae, pneumothorax was started.
