low DLCO and air trapping

[alexaadap]

i have two questions

1. what is the common symptoms of low DLCO test result? my oxygen saturation fluctuates between 94% and 98% at rest.

2. what are the common symptoms of  high RV. ( air trappings in lung) ?

[foxy251]

IF SOME ONE SAID YOU HAD C O P D, AND YOUR LUNGS HAD THE CAPACITY OF A 75 YEAR OLD, IS THAT GOOD OR BAD,ANY ONE HAVE ANY ANSWERS.............

[David Tinkelman, M.D.]

Assuming the test results are valid, a reduced or low DLCO is an indication of impaired transfer from the lungs to the blood.  It is a common finding with emphysema, as is air trapping, resulting in an abnormally high RV.  The combination of the two, a low DLCO and a high RV is consistent with the diagnosis of COPD and can be one of the earliest findings.  These pulmonary function test results are a warning of ongoing lung disease and must not be ignored. If you smoke cigarettes, you should quit now.   If you are exposed to bad air pollution in the workplace you should look to work where the air is clean.  The normal oxygen saturation is good news and suggests that, whatever the cause of these abnormal results, you still have adequate lung function to lead a normally active life.

You should meet with the doctor who ordered the pulmonary function tests to discuss all the results of that testing, ask him/her what type of lung disease you have and what steps should be taken to preserve your present lung function.

Good luck