Result of CT Scan

[Cricket355]

After recent PFT test, my Pulmonary Dr. wanted a CT thorax chest non contrast scan.  The results were no nodules or interstitial thickening or reticulation. No honeycombing or suggestion of fibrosis. Minimal bronchial wall thickening is identified at the lung bases consistent with small airways inflammation.
No consolidations or pleural effusions.  No pneumothorax.

Impression: Bronchial wall thickening at the lung bases consistent with small airways inflammation. No evidence of lung fibrosis.

I went to the pulmonary dr. due to chronic cough with mucus.  My dx according to PFT was that there is a minimal obstructive lung defect and dr. felt my pft numbers were consistent with gerd and being over weight.

He said I should have an endoscopy done for which I have an appointment.........what is bothering me is that he never mentioned the airway inflammation.  He also said I should return in one year for another PFT and if numbers remain the same that I would have no need of a pulmonary dr.  

I would appreciate your opinion.  Do I need to treat the airway inflammation?  Does this dx sound feasible to you?
Thank you ,
Cricket

[Cricket355]

Thank you for your reply.  I neglected to post that I've had acid reflux, on and off, for the past ten years.  I'm assuming that is why the Pulmonary Dr. wanted an endoscope.

[kiaram]

I am having breathing problem n its been 3 months,,,,,i cant inhale full oxygen and it is related with burrping continously ,throat irritation,tightness of chest,abdomen pain and bulging of stomach,,,,,,please some one help me out

[David Tinkelman, M.D.]

Bronchial wall thickening is seen with small airway inflammation on the basis of a number of diseases including but not limited to bronchiectasis (also evident on CT), chronic bronchitis, and connective tissue diseases.  There are usually additional findings seen with these classes of disease; that is, in addition to bronchial wall thickening.  It may be important to determine the cause of the bronchial wall thickening as this might provide clues regarding the cause of your chronic productive cough.

You should ask your doctor to explain why endoscopy (bronchoscopy) should be done.  What indication for this examination, if any, was found on the CT Scan?  What disease process, beside the apparent bronchial wall thickening was seen on the CT or otherwise considered on the basis of clinical signs or symptoms?  What decisions regarding further testing or treatment will be made on the basis of the findings?  If the specialist is unable to answer these questions to your satisfaction or to the satisfaction of your primary care physician, you may want to get a 2nd opinion from another pulmonologist.

Good luck