HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suggest Treatment For Bronchitis And Mild Emphysema

About 8 years ago I had a chest x-ray because I had bronchitis all summer. Showed mild emphysema. I had quit smoking for 2 years when I had the ex-ray. Last week I asked for another x-ray to see if there was any progression since now its been 10 years since I quit smoking. It came back showing no emphysema but saw something on my left chest upper rib. They want to do a cat scan to assess the situation. Now I m worried about that. I am also very confused because I was under the impression emphysema was not reversible. Have you ever heard of such a thing? Linda Schnaus
Fri, 20 Feb 2015
Report Abuse
Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your situation and problem.
Yes, you are right that emphysema is irreversible.
And emphysema is diagnosed by PFT (pulmonary function test). So I advice you to get done PFT first to rule out emphysema. Chest x ray can be reported as normal as opinions may differ with radiologist s. But if you have proven obstructive defect on PFT then you ate having emphysema for sure.
So consult pulmonologist and get done PFT. This will also tell you about severity of the disease. And treatment is based on severity only.
They are doing CT scan just to rule out infection or mass lesion. Because x ray abnormal was there and you were smoker in past.
So infection and mass need to be rule out first.
CT thorax is best for this. So no harm in doing CT.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
Suggest Treatment For Bronchitis And Mild Emphysema

Thanks for your question on HCM. I can understand your situation and problem. Yes, you are right that emphysema is irreversible. And emphysema is diagnosed by PFT (pulmonary function test). So I advice you to get done PFT first to rule out emphysema. Chest x ray can be reported as normal as opinions may differ with radiologist s. But if you have proven obstructive defect on PFT then you ate having emphysema for sure. So consult pulmonologist and get done PFT. This will also tell you about severity of the disease. And treatment is based on severity only. They are doing CT scan just to rule out infection or mass lesion. Because x ray abnormal was there and you were smoker in past. So infection and mass need to be rule out first. CT thorax is best for this. So no harm in doing CT.