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Are Pulmonary Function Tests Reliable?
Question: i havw taken 7 pulmonary function tests over 15 years. They are all similar in numerical data reporting the last was taken 6 weeks ago. The results were Fvc 112 fev1 98, fev1/Fvc 74 post bronco test fef25/75 62, 99 post bronco test. Rv 103, tlc 117. The dr concluded no copd but maybe mild asthma.
I always cooperate and give as much effort as possible. Since the test is a forced expires tort test can you force hard enough to make parts like RV look normal at 103. Or is that not a forced expiration you part of the test. For three years now I have felt like I am not getting all the air out
So question one is can the results come out incorrectly. Oh I have been told that the pft is the gold standard for pulmonary testing. True?
I also have Gad that is uncontrolled but being worked on. I was informed by a dr that stress from gad and panic can exacerbate and inflame the airway by means of the stress mediators released by the body. I'm not sure if I stated it the way he did but I know it is close. How much physiologic issues can stress or anxiety do to the lungs
I always cooperate and give as much effort as possible. Since the test is a forced expires tort test can you force hard enough to make parts like RV look normal at 103. Or is that not a forced expiration you part of the test. For three years now I have felt like I am not getting all the air out
So question one is can the results come out incorrectly. Oh I have been told that the pft is the gold standard for pulmonary testing. True?
I also have Gad that is uncontrolled but being worked on. I was informed by a dr that stress from gad and panic can exacerbate and inflame the airway by means of the stress mediators released by the body. I'm not sure if I stated it the way he did but I know it is close. How much physiologic issues can stress or anxiety do to the lungs
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for asking on HCM!
I carefully passed through your question and would explain as follows:
1- Regarding pulmonary function tests you should know that they are really a golden standard test for pulmonary testing and they are quite reliable. Based on your tests reports, I would agree with your doctor on the fact that your pulmonary function tests are slightly abnormal, but do not indicate any serious disorder. So, even if you feel that you could do better, you have nothing to worry about! There has been no serious progress in years, and this is another indicator that this is nothing serious.
2- Regarding anxiety and asthma, many studies have suggested that psychological stress operates by altering the magnitude of the airway inflammatory response that irritants, allergens, and infections bring about in persons with asthma. But stress on its own is not capable of modifying immune functions in a way that leads to asthmatic symptoms. Rather, stress is viewed as a process that accentuates the airway inflammatory response to environmental triggers and, in doing so, increases the frequency, duration, and severity of patients' symptoms.
From the other hand anxiety is also known to trigger asthma attacks. But you do not refer to have any asthma attacks. A panic attack can mimic asthma attack, but if your symptoms are relieved by benzodiazepines like alprazolam, it is certainly not asthma.
Anyway your function pulmonary tests are just mildly impaired, so you have nothing to worry about.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for asking on HCM!
I carefully passed through your question and would explain as follows:
1- Regarding pulmonary function tests you should know that they are really a golden standard test for pulmonary testing and they are quite reliable. Based on your tests reports, I would agree with your doctor on the fact that your pulmonary function tests are slightly abnormal, but do not indicate any serious disorder. So, even if you feel that you could do better, you have nothing to worry about! There has been no serious progress in years, and this is another indicator that this is nothing serious.
2- Regarding anxiety and asthma, many studies have suggested that psychological stress operates by altering the magnitude of the airway inflammatory response that irritants, allergens, and infections bring about in persons with asthma. But stress on its own is not capable of modifying immune functions in a way that leads to asthmatic symptoms. Rather, stress is viewed as a process that accentuates the airway inflammatory response to environmental triggers and, in doing so, increases the frequency, duration, and severity of patients' symptoms.
From the other hand anxiety is also known to trigger asthma attacks. But you do not refer to have any asthma attacks. A panic attack can mimic asthma attack, but if your symptoms are relieved by benzodiazepines like alprazolam, it is certainly not asthma.
Anyway your function pulmonary tests are just mildly impaired, so you have nothing to worry about.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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