
What Do My Pulmonary Function Test Results Indicate?

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.
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


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
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


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

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