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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Pulmonary Fibrosis?
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.
Pulmonary Fibrosis?
by Simon00, Aug 25, 2006 12:00AM
Hi, Just a very quick question. I am a 23yo Male who smoked about 3 cigs a day for about 3 years. I have been off work due to having chest pain for 8 months along with a heavy/tight chest, and horseness, (no cough). I have had CT's and X-rays of my chest and they say everything is fine but my lungs feel terrible. I have had a pulminary function test and the doctors say my lung compacity is only showing as 60%. CTs also show that my lungs are small. When I breath in my lungs feel stiff and find it difficult expand them.
With the symtoms i am getting and how bad I feel. Could this be pulmonary fibrosis? The doctors just say its asthma does this sound right considering my lung compacity? Also does a CT completley rule out fibrosis? or can you only rule it out by a broncoscopy?
I would realy apreciate your help.
Many thanks in advance.
With the symtoms i am getting and how bad I feel. Could this be pulmonary fibrosis? The doctors just say its asthma does this sound right considering my lung compacity? Also does a CT completley rule out fibrosis? or can you only rule it out by a broncoscopy?
I would realy apreciate your help.
Many thanks in advance.
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Aug 30, 2006 12:00AM
, Aug 30, 2006 12:00AM
Chest heaviness/tightness and a lung capacity of 60% could be caused by pulmonary fibrosis. Often this can be determined by high resolution CT (HRCT). However a lung biopsy may be needed. You need to see a lung specialist to sort out what is going on. Keep in mind that pain can cause pulmonary function tests (PFTs) results to appear low.
