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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
emphysema or something else?
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.
emphysema or something else?
by nagdeo, Feb 04, 2003 12:00AM
I have a PFT consistent with emphysema (FEV1 52% of predicted; FEF25-75 24% of predicted; elevated TLC, FRC, RV; DLCO 68% of predicted; poor response to bronchodilator challenge). I am a nonsmoker, 44 years old. My alpha-1 antitrypsin serum level is normal. My high resolution chest CT is normal. I have had recurrent respiratory infections in the last 8 months. I have a chronic productive cough, shortness of breath on minimal exertion, significant fatigue. Wheezing is very rare and never lasts more than a minute or so. I have not responded to Advair or to treatment for post-nasal drip or GERD, which my doctor says are the three most common causes of chronic cough in nonsmokers.
My question: with a PFT consistent with emphysema, a normal A1A level, a normal HRCT, and my symptoms, what are the other possibilities? Is it possible that the PFT is way off, especially with regard to DLCO? Is it possible that emphysema would not show up on a high resolution CT? What other obstructive lung diseases would present with my symptoms, show an emphysema pattern on a PFT, and not show up on HRCT?
Thank you.
My question: with a PFT consistent with emphysema, a normal A1A level, a normal HRCT, and my symptoms, what are the other possibilities? Is it possible that the PFT is way off, especially with regard to DLCO? Is it possible that emphysema would not show up on a high resolution CT? What other obstructive lung diseases would present with my symptoms, show an emphysema pattern on a PFT, and not show up on HRCT?
Thank you.
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Hope this helps you--having poor lung function is scary & dangerous.
Aloha,
Starion