What Does My Chest X-ray Results Hyperinflation And Apical Capping Mean?

Posted on Fri, 6 Dec 2013

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

Fri, 6 Dec 2013 Answered on

Fri, 27 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : What does my chest X-ray results say hyperinflation and apical capping? I am a 66 yr women with newly discovered invasive ductal carcinoma.

Answered by Dr. Het Ram Bishnoi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Hyperinflation & air capping. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXX. Thanks for the query to H.C.M. Forum. These two terms are for lungs field . Hyperinflation i.e.increased total lung capacity ,late in the disease.Hyperinflation of the thorax during tidal breathing PRESERVES maximum expiratory airflow,because as lung volume increases ,elastic recoil pressure increase and airways enlarge so that airways resistance decrease. Air capping ( also air trapping ) , increased residual volume and increased ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity. Hope this information will be helpful for you . Further any question I will reply in follow up. Good luck. Dr. HET

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