possible empyasima

[memorex335]

I have been having shortness of breath for a month I had a chest x ray which showed mild hyperearation of the lungs I then had a full pulmonary function test it was normal except for a mild increase in residule capicty....my doc says that I do not have copd/emphasima at this point and if I quit smoking it will not progress....ok so if this is true why Iam I short of breath?

[David Tinkelman, M.D.]

The “normal”  pulmonary function tests rule out moderate to severe COPD/Emphysema but the hyperaeration and increased residual capacity could be an early sign of Mild COPD.  Such changes on spirometry are not specific to COPD but can be seen (most commonly) with asthma (Exercise induced asthma) or a condition called bronchiolitis.

Usually with COPD, when the pulmonary function changes are mild or slight, one would not experience much shortness of breath unless you are accustomed to very intense exercise.

Lung changes that cause shortness of breath are often insidious for a long time.  Thus your lung condition could have been active for some time before reaching a level of awareness, one month ago, whereas acute causes such as bronchitis, acute bronchiolitis, asthma or clots to the lung might have actually begun a month ago.

In either event, it would behoove you and your doctor, having pretty much ruled out COPD,  to continue to seek the cause of your shortness of breath and this might require consultation with a lung specialist (Pulmonologist).

Whatever that should prove to be, you should do everything in your power working with your physician, to stop smoking now and forever.

Good luck

[memorex335]

Anybody?