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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Why am I having a hard time breathing on exertion
Answered by
MN
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
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, May 13, 2008 05:20PM
, May 13, 2008 05:20PM
The best way to determine if you have emphysema is for you to take a simple breathing test called spirometry. A chest x-ray may also be suggestive of the diagnosis but the breathing test is the best way.
We often include emphysema in the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It would be important to know if you have that because there are good oral and inhaled medicines that can provide good symptom relief, including relief of shortness of breath.
Also, if you have osteoporosis and are not receiving therapy for it, you should be. It is never too late. Check with your doctor on this.
We often include emphysema in the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It would be important to know if you have that because there are good oral and inhaled medicines that can provide good symptom relief, including relief of shortness of breath.
Also, if you have osteoporosis and are not receiving therapy for it, you should be. It is never too late. Check with your doctor on this.
Member Comments (3)
by bluecheese, May 09, 2008 05:17PM
I'm not the doctor, but I can think of several lung tests they might want to do for you.... spirometry, chest CT scan, arterial blood gas, echocardiogram, nuclear stress test....have you had those?
by bluecheese, May 09, 2008 05:19PM
especially the lung function tests where you breath into a machine that measures your gas exchange, sounds like you really need that done.
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