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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
So sorry, it is Annie again with a correction to Hyperactivity of the Lungs
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.
So sorry, it is Annie again with a correction to Hyperactivity of the Lungs
by Annie1234, Jun 13, 2003 12:00AM
..I apologize for posting again. At the end of my post I put the doctor is having me take one puff of seravent each morning. I mispoke. I should have put pulmicort(a steroid) Thank you very much. Annie
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Jun 18, 2003 12:00AM
, Jun 18, 2003 12:00AM
I can hear that this is a real problem for you. From what you have written there are several possibilities. First of all, some people following a respiratory infection develop "hyperreactivity of their airways". This presents exactly as you have described. When it lasts for a short period of time (weeks to months), no other diagnosis is given. It is usually treated with inhaled steroids and bronchodilators, just as you have been. When this persists for a longer period of time, many doctors switch the diagnosis to asthma, although it is exactly the same process. The treatment does not change, but the duration and the intensity of the treatment goes up. The best ways to make this diagnosis, since the airway symptoms are variable, are:
1) spirometry with a bronchodilator to see if there is a response and/or
2) using a peak flow meter every morning and every night for about 2 weeks to see if the airways open and close when symptoms are present.
While the above may be the cause, it is not the only possibility. Another common problem which can be additive or by itself is that following the respiratory infection, a chronic inflammation has developed in the sinuses. This inflammation may or may not be due to an active infection. This can cause a direct effect on the lungs and/or a secondary reaction in the lungs, which, again, can cause exactly what you have described. To make this diagnosis, a CT scan of the sinuses is the best way to proceed.
1) spirometry with a bronchodilator to see if there is a response and/or
2) using a peak flow meter every morning and every night for about 2 weeks to see if the airways open and close when symptoms are present.
While the above may be the cause, it is not the only possibility. Another common problem which can be additive or by itself is that following the respiratory infection, a chronic inflammation has developed in the sinuses. This inflammation may or may not be due to an active infection. This can cause a direct effect on the lungs and/or a secondary reaction in the lungs, which, again, can cause exactly what you have described. To make this diagnosis, a CT scan of the sinuses is the best way to proceed.
