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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
xray and test result question
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xray and test result question
by Knightowl, Sep 03, 2003 12:00AM
I had a chest x-ray and it states that my lungs were overinflated due to chronic airflow limitation. But a Spirometry test for Asthma has shown my results okay. DLCO total was 72% of the predicted. Is the x-ray wrong according to these other test results as the spirometry doesn't suggest airflow problems. A saline challenge test made me cough and gave chest tightness and I couldn't inhale deep enough to give enough good results for this test to be finished. Any comments would be nice to stop me wondering as my doctor doesn't give me many details. Thank you for your time.
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Sep 05, 2003 12:00AM
, Sep 05, 2003 12:00AM
The chest x-ray may be showing that your lungs are just slightly overinflated. Since the radiologist sees this as being more inflated than usual the chest x-ray report notes overinflated lungs. It is the interpretation that is an “over read” rather than the chest x-ray being wrong. Remember that the radiologist sees only your chest x-ray without the opportunity to see you to find out what symptoms you are having. So the radiologist wants to be sure to point out everything to the doctor who knows what symptoms are causing you to seek his help.
Your airflows on the spirometry test for asthma may be low, but still within the normal range. So the spirometry report notes normal airflows. If you have had spirometry testing done in the past, it would be helpful to compare them with your most recent results. It can be more helpful to compare your results over time rather than comparing your results to the normal range.
Your DLCO is low at 72% of predicted. The cough and chest tightness that you had in response to the saline challenge was a predictable response. Generally inhaling saline is used to help a person cough up sputum for further testing. Your other test results may be near normal or just beyond the normal range. A pulmonologist would be the type of specialist to give a more detailed explanation of your test results, identify if you have a lung problem and what would be the best treatment.
Your airflows on the spirometry test for asthma may be low, but still within the normal range. So the spirometry report notes normal airflows. If you have had spirometry testing done in the past, it would be helpful to compare them with your most recent results. It can be more helpful to compare your results over time rather than comparing your results to the normal range.
Your DLCO is low at 72% of predicted. The cough and chest tightness that you had in response to the saline challenge was a predictable response. Generally inhaling saline is used to help a person cough up sputum for further testing. Your other test results may be near normal or just beyond the normal range. A pulmonologist would be the type of specialist to give a more detailed explanation of your test results, identify if you have a lung problem and what would be the best treatment.
"There has been resolution of the lingular atelectasis seen on the prior exam. The very minimal density identified in the left base is new and probably represents focal atelectasis."
The view was also represented as a mild basilar infiltrate or parenchymal opacity with mild hyperinflation.
Can you explain in laymans terms what does this mean and is it cause for concern??
Regards
Carole