I have COPD and been told my lungs are larger than normal due to the COPD has any one else been told this?

[victoriablue]

[Plumbob]

Hi Victoria -Is it lung size or lung capacity?-I have a large lung capacity, but it's down to past sporting activities that made them that way, even with asbestos attacking the bottom of lungs and emphysema attacking top of lungs I still have a 115% capacity !! (ironic considering I struggle to walk to the shop!!) size & volume is different they maybe enlarged, but not increased in capacity-Plumbob

[stone-UK]

Hi

It is quite common, I have two x-rays one normal then one lower down,

I believe it is called hyperinflation,

Hyperinflated lungs can be caused by obstructions in the passages that deliver air to your lung tissue. Air gets trapped within the lung and causes it to overinflate. Hyperinflation can also occur when the air sacs in your lungs become less elastic, which interferes with the expulsion of air from your lungs.

One of the most common causes of hyperinflated lungs is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — a disorder that includes emphysema. Lung problems such as asthma and cystic fibrosis can also cause hyperinflation.

In some cases, lungs may appear hyperinflated on X-rays for reasons unrelated to lung function. If you aren't experiencing shortness of breath, there's probably nothing to worry about. But the only way to know whether you have something that causes truly hyperinflated lungs is to do a lung function test. If your lung function is abnormal, you should see a lung specialist to identify and treat the underlying problem.

[victoriablue in reply to stone-UK]

Hi Stone I have got COPD and had a test in January had this a few years now but first time I have had this mentioned and nothing made clear just it was down to what I had.

I am on a lot of medication for this problem and always short of breath. Thank you for your reply it helps to hear what other people think.

[libby7827]

Hi Victoria, with emphysema air becomes trapped in the damaged areas of your lungs and causes them to over inflate. You could have huge lungs yet still have little room left for new air to be taken in. Libby xxx

[Hidden]

Yes I have COPD and the word 'hypwrinflation' was used in my diagnosis as well. I find eating large meals difficult because of sob so eat smaller ones. The bigger the lungs the less room there is for other organs round them such as the stomach.

[victoriablue in reply to Hidden]

I have difficulty eating large meal for a year or so now but I lost my husband in June 2012 and was putting it down to this as I lost a stone. Its the first x-ray I have had in about 20 years so I suppose they have noted the change. Thank you for the reply that answer has cleared a problem up on its own.

[Sociable]

I have extremely large lungs but as I have the genetic connective tissue disorder Ehlers Danlos syndrome that's not that surprising as I also have megacolon and very enlarged bladder capacity too as everything is stretchy with this condition. They struggle to get all my lungs on an xray plate apparently or at least that is what they often say when having xrays LOL

[longlungs]

Hi victoriablue I have very long lungs and always have to mention to xray and they always comment after lol.Ive always understood it to be the lack elasticity and they have stretched.I too cant eat big meals really cant breathe if I do especially things that carry on swelling inside ,rice pasta etc.Arnt we lucky Janexx

[victoriablue in reply to longlungs]

Lol longlungs we sure are lucky, think we should be able to run marathons with them. When I sit down to eat I look at my food and it over faces me never thought it could have anything to do with my condition. Coming on this site helps you learn about how others cope and you aren't on your own. Rose xx

[Hidden in reply to victoriablue]

you should try eating 5 small meals in the day victoriablue,space them out,and as a inbetween have a piece of fruit,try a smaller plate for your food,xxx

[longlungs in reply to victoriablue]

You are so right Rose when I first started having that horrid feeling after Id eaten thought i was being a bit over the top by myself suggesting this to me and my family that my lungs were taking over,but when I did tell the doc she said well thats right it is what it is .Trapped wind is not a friend to have either ive found.Its never good to hear of someone elses suffering but it is a comfort to know your not on your own or going quietly barmy imagining things so it is a big relief when others say 'oh yes me too' Janexx

[martin1945]

Hi Victoria, as other have suggested hyperinflation is the primary cause of an increase in lung size. In my case, after 14 years since diagnosis my lungs are reckoned to be more that double the expected size, in fact 283%. The body copes by moving other organs aside - typically your diaphragm. Eventual the chest cavity increases in size to become a "barrel chest". C'est la vie Martin

[peege]

I love this site. Not only do you learn about your own lung issues you get to understand what others are coping with.

I'm glad you've found some support Victoriablue.

[helingmic]

Hi victoriablue. I think the "enlargement"is due to damaged alveoli which trap air. There are special exercise to try to empty the air that is retained. I don't know them. somebody else who might have retention could tell you. Or look it up on Youtube. You could have a talk with your Pulmonary nurse, she should be able to guide you and even refer you to a physiotherapist who would show you what exercises on a home visit. Hope you can sort this out. xxx

[Chinka]

I must say you lot are great, you are all so knowledable and knowledge is empowering. Thanks a million keep your wisdom coming. Thanks Chinka