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What Do My Pulmonary Function Test Results Indicate?

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Posted on Wed, 9 Dec 2015
Question: I would like an opinion if possible. To be brief, I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I am an ex smoker, smoked for 22 years a pack a day smoker at the most. I quit 15 years ago. I have had a ton of stressful events disrupt my life including taking care of my mother who passed away two years ago. she was 92, died from copd.
I have taken 6 Pulmonary function tests over the past 14 years with little variation. I have been told by other dr's that i am basically fine but have anxious behavior causing my shortness of breath. I will post the summary results of the PFT tests here and try to make them readable. they are just the percentages results applicable to my test at the time.

Year     FVC     FEV1     FEV1/FVC     FEF2575     DLCO     TLC     DLCO/VA
2001     110     103     77     85     67     110     61
2001     108     97     74     69     64     104     62
2002     89     85     78     72     87     104     92
2013     101     86     68     49     70     102     69
2014     92     84     73     59     81     102     83
2014     114     103     72     69     81     102     83

Do you believe that anxiety and nerves can cause chest and muscles to tighten so much that after exertion the chest refuses to expand to take a breath in. I am on edge and constantly thinking of it. I have a RX for Lexapro and at 20mg not sure if it is helping.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Your pulmonary function tests seem to be age appropriate

Detailed Answer:
Hi...I have just gone through your pulmonary function test reports. These seem to be age appropriate to me.

I have a few questions for you -

Questions:
1. How many days per month do you cough or feel breathless?
2. How many nights per month does your sleep get disturbed due to above symptoms?
3. Do you feel breathless when you do even mild to moderate exercise ?
4. Are the symptoms when there are seasonal changes?
5. Is there any family history of asthma or any other sort of allergies like skin allergy etc.?
6. Is the cough always associated with fever?

Please get back to me with answers so that I will be in a better position to guide you through.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (17 minutes later)
I have no cough or fever. I sleep well Casual walking in fine bike riding fine. Never been able to run get winded on hard bike ride. No one with asthma

In 2001 I complained of breathlessness. My pulmonologist said it was anxiety.

My daughter is a respiratory therapist. Her opinion is an agreement of age and anxiety
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It could be anxiety related - do not worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi....now with proper history and keeping in mind your pulmonary function test results, I feel that the symptoms of chest tightness and breathlessness you are experiencing could be related to anxiety.

Constant thinking regarding the same problem (feeling of chest tightness) can cause the anxiety to build up and express itself like chest tightness or breathlessness.

I too concur with your doctor and daughter.

Real breathlessness due to Asthma or COPD cannot occur without cough.

I feel your symptoms are more anxiety related than pulmonary.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (1 minute later)
Thank you. If I find a need to follow up with any other questions would that be ok with you?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I would be glad to help. If you are happy - Rate our discussion

Detailed Answer:
I wish you all the best and good health. If you are happy with our interaction, kindly close the discussion and rate it with a feed back.

If you need any future medical consultation and suggestions, I will be glad to help.

You can approach me at the following link.

Please find the link below -

www.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-sumanth-amperayani/67696

Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Sumanth Amperayani

Pediatrician, Pulmonology

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 8339 Questions

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What Do My Pulmonary Function Test Results Indicate?

Brief Answer: Your pulmonary function tests seem to be age appropriate Detailed Answer: Hi...I have just gone through your pulmonary function test reports. These seem to be age appropriate to me. I have a few questions for you - Questions: 1. How many days per month do you cough or feel breathless? 2. How many nights per month does your sleep get disturbed due to above symptoms? 3. Do you feel breathless when you do even mild to moderate exercise ? 4. Are the symptoms when there are seasonal changes? 5. Is there any family history of asthma or any other sort of allergies like skin allergy etc.? 6. Is the cough always associated with fever? Please get back to me with answers so that I will be in a better position to guide you through. Regards - Dr. Sumanth