What Causes Shortness Of Breath And Chronic Cough When Diagnosed With Emphysema?

Posted on Sun, 31 Jul 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 31 Jul 2016 Answered on

Mon, 29 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi , my name is Randy XXXXXXX I was diagnosed w/ copd....emphesema in 1990. during a routine pre-oemployment physical. I am 63 yrs. old and in the year 1994 I also underwent an upper lobectomy on right upper lung due to a mycobacterium known as Kansaii. Recently, 2015 I Was treated for a necrotizing cellulitus infection on my neck and lungs. The routine x-rays performed at that time also reveled severe bullous emphysematous disease was still present. However , I do not seem to experience any difficulty breathing just a little shortness of breath, after performing exhausting chores. I also do not have a chronic cough but I recently have began to experience a large amount of phlegm that is exiting. Any info you could share on this would be helpful.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Get done PFT.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
In my opinion, you should get done PFT (pulmonary function test). PFT will not only diagnose COPD but it will also tell you about severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity only.
You will mostly improve with inhaled bronchodilator (formoterol or salmeterol) and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).
Quit smoking if you are smoker.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T