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What Do My Pulmonary Function Test Reports Indicate?
Question: I have GAD, diagnosed 14 years ago, but I believe I have had it longer by symptoms I've had. I have had episodes of panic that resembled heart attack and attack of shortness of breath. Each have taken me to specialists. They have found collateral circulation and very mild ventilatry obstruction. Anyway I have had 6 PFTs over the last 14 years and they have changed very minimal over the entire time. Using average per cents I have roughly 98% fvc, 97% fev1 69% fev25-75, deco 81%, tlc 102%, deco/va 83%. I have to know that if my PFTs are realistic to actuality. Then when I get short of breath is it because my gad has continued so long that minor issues trigger sob
I also have stress provoked reflux and have been told that it may be causing micro aspiration to my airways and is making my breathing harder
I also have stress provoked reflux and have been told that it may be causing micro aspiration to my airways and is making my breathing harder
Brief Answer:
PFTs and anxiety
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question.
I've taken a look at your PFTs. They are unconcerning for lung disease. I also doubt that reflux is having any real effect on your lungs. This is all good news. But it also points to the fact that your GAD and panic attacks could be better controlled.
GAD and panic disorder are very treatable conditions. I see that you're on Lexapro 10mg. I would probably increase this gradually to 20mg as you are still having symptoms, and if that doesn't work, switch to a different SSRI. Xanax is actually a medication I never use, because although it can work rapidly, its half-life is so short that you can get rebound anxiety. Klonopin would be better, though in general I try to avoid benzodiazepines long-term; the best treatment for anxiety disorders are antidepressants and therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
If you'd like to go into more detail, talk to me at the link below:
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
PFTs and anxiety
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question.
I've taken a look at your PFTs. They are unconcerning for lung disease. I also doubt that reflux is having any real effect on your lungs. This is all good news. But it also points to the fact that your GAD and panic attacks could be better controlled.
GAD and panic disorder are very treatable conditions. I see that you're on Lexapro 10mg. I would probably increase this gradually to 20mg as you are still having symptoms, and if that doesn't work, switch to a different SSRI. Xanax is actually a medication I never use, because although it can work rapidly, its half-life is so short that you can get rebound anxiety. Klonopin would be better, though in general I try to avoid benzodiazepines long-term; the best treatment for anxiety disorders are antidepressants and therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
If you'd like to go into more detail, talk to me at the link below:
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Am not sure if i included that i am an ex smoker and had smoked on avg pack day for 22 years. Quit 15 years ago. I deal with a couple issues that affect my daily life. One was the answer on the first oft of very milf copd with mild vent defect, second i watched my mother die from copd she smoked for 70 years before secumbing to it. My newest pulm dr feels her longevity had strong resistance to copd till her age gave in to it along with the damage her lungs had taken lastly is the stress that i have that has amplified my sensations
Brief Answer:
Absolutely correct
Detailed Answer:
Even before I got to the end of your question, I was thinking that watching your mother die from COPD has amplified your own concerns. (My condolences about your mother.) Your newest pulm doctor I believe is correct in saying this. Your lungs per your PFTs are healthy. Continue to refrain from smoking, and work with your psychiatrist to better address your anxiety. These are the best things you can do for your health.
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Absolutely correct
Detailed Answer:
Even before I got to the end of your question, I was thinking that watching your mother die from COPD has amplified your own concerns. (My condolences about your mother.) Your newest pulm doctor I believe is correct in saying this. Your lungs per your PFTs are healthy. Continue to refrain from smoking, and work with your psychiatrist to better address your anxiety. These are the best things you can do for your health.
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Thanks for the response, it is helpful. I have a few more questions but my device is in need of a charge so i will get back tomorrow or so. And sorry for the bad spelling. Wow was it bad on the last question
Brief Answer:
No problem, see you tomorrow.
Detailed Answer:
No problem, see you tomorrow.
No problem, see you tomorrow.
Detailed Answer:
No problem, see you tomorrow.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Working to reduce the stress that has grown for a while I am expecting that it will take some time. Correct? During this time, I should allow for set backs and expect to still have symptoms but if I understand it's only stress I will lesson in intensity and slowly disappear
I was not able to make time today to get a more clear picture of my issues but will try over the next day or so
I mentioned the following to my pulminologist , he thinks it's stress related Maybe you can fill in the poser? I had a panic attack a year ago that has been allowed to fester. I am now getting it started to go down
While it was festering, I noticed that I would run short of breath when talking and walking. I also get a panic attack when I hear the phone ring and I have to hurry to get it. When I answer it I am short breath. Is this related to panic, anxiety, stress? If so please explain what is happening so I can reverse it and not worry on it
I was not able to make time today to get a more clear picture of my issues but will try over the next day or so
I mentioned the following to my pulminologist , he thinks it's stress related Maybe you can fill in the poser? I had a panic attack a year ago that has been allowed to fester. I am now getting it started to go down
While it was festering, I noticed that I would run short of breath when talking and walking. I also get a panic attack when I hear the phone ring and I have to hurry to get it. When I answer it I am short breath. Is this related to panic, anxiety, stress? If so please explain what is happening so I can reverse it and not worry on it
Brief Answer:
Follow-up
Detailed Answer:
Again, I would work with your psychiatrist to increase your medications as I suggested above. Over time your symptoms should improve. What you describe regarding going to the phone is anxiety and stress and can be treated as I suggested above. Your body reacts with a stress reaction which causes the sensation of shortness of breath. I recommend adjusting your medications as per above.
For a more comprehensive evaluation and answer, ask me on HealthCareMagic at the private link below: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Follow-up
Detailed Answer:
Again, I would work with your psychiatrist to increase your medications as I suggested above. Over time your symptoms should improve. What you describe regarding going to the phone is anxiety and stress and can be treated as I suggested above. Your body reacts with a stress reaction which causes the sensation of shortness of breath. I recommend adjusting your medications as per above.
For a more comprehensive evaluation and answer, ask me on HealthCareMagic at the private link below: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
I will begin to use your other private link going forward as I progress with your help. A FYI for you is good strides forward chest loosened upon relaxation not a lot but enough to notice. I mention that there will be lingering symptoms so I will be patient. My lexapro dosages is 10 mg morning and night. I have put both in morning to see the results. I will update you and will send to your privatelink
Brief Answer:
Follow-up
Detailed Answer:
I look forward to hearing from you.
For a more comprehensive evaluation and answer, ask me on HealthCareMagic at the private link below: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Follow-up
Detailed Answer:
I look forward to hearing from you.
For a more comprehensive evaluation and answer, ask me on HealthCareMagic at the private link below: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Had an outstanding past couple days. Positive thinking with relaxation has helped. Now a question. Stress and panic trigger symptoms, can a bit of excitement thinking trigger some also ?
Brief Answer:
Follow-up
Detailed Answer:
Sometimes, yes, but this is less likely. In general symptoms are often triggered, but sometimes they just arise unprompted without any clear trigger. This is why medication is useful, because it provides a background foundation which protects you all the time, not just when you're at higher risk of symptoms.
For a more comprehensive evaluation and answer, ask me on HealthCareMagic at the private link below: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Follow-up
Detailed Answer:
Sometimes, yes, but this is less likely. In general symptoms are often triggered, but sometimes they just arise unprompted without any clear trigger. This is why medication is useful, because it provides a background foundation which protects you all the time, not just when you're at higher risk of symptoms.
For a more comprehensive evaluation and answer, ask me on HealthCareMagic at the private link below: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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