Can you have a lung/breathing problem with a clear xray?

[briskate]

Hi everyone,

I'm been sent for lung function tests even though my chest xray was clear.

I'm just wondering if it's possible to have some kind of respiratory problem (shortness of breath) that shows in lung function tests that doesn't show in a chest xray. If so what kind of things would it be?

Thank you for any help ☺

[Caspiana]

Hello briskate .

The answer to that is yes. I can only give my condition as an example and am by no means implying you have this condition. I have Bronchiolitis Obliterans, a disease of the tiniest air ways. They literally "obliterate" . Because it's so small the scaring does not show up on a regular x-ray.

Again, please don't think the worst, as you will need to go through extensive testing to find the reason for your shortness of breath.

Wishing you well.

Cas xx 🍀

[nanniespy]

I have bronchiectasis, to correctly diagnose this you need to have a ct scan. There are lots of things it could be so please don't jump to the wrong conclusion. Wait till you get the results, at least you are being checked out.

[Shancock]

Asthma will not show on an X-ray, and I'm sure other things too. But wait for the tests as there's lots of reasons for being short f breath and most are not scary. A blood test is a good idea too as being low in iron will make you breathless.

Many lung related illnesses need a CT scan too.

[katieoxo60]

Hello , glad you are being tested as breathlessness can be caused by many things. Most of us with lung conditions have had things like CT scans, breathing tests, blood tests ect. So I would wait till all tests are done or the doctor gives a diagnosis. Best Wishes.

[briskate]

Thank you for all your replies. Much appreciated.

I have been unwell now and generally bedbound (fatigue & shortness of breath) for 2.5 years now and doctors haven't been able to tell me what is wrong. I've had numerous tests including chest xrays and ct scans. Nothing has been found apart from a fast heart beat. (I'm in my thirties and before this I had breast cancer - in the clear now).

Lung function tests have just been booked so I'm actually hoping they will find something (as crazy as that sounds!). I guess when I asked if "I can still have a lung/breathing problem after a clear chest xray" I was looking for some hope that there's still lots of things they can find!

I've just been unwell for so long now and want to know what's wrong!

[Shazza59]

Hi briskate, I was diagnosed 5 weeks ago with COPD by spirometey test, my x Ray was clear. Although as others say it could be a number of things like iron deficiency. Hope you find your answer. I had shortness of breath on hilly walks and fast walks also feel tired at times but have 3 daughters aged 13, 12 and 10 so put it down to that ha!! Keep us informed, Sharon.

[Hidden]

I have lymphangioleiomyomatosis, lung cysts, it doesn’t show on an xray, but it’s rare and women only.

[Ergendl]

I do hope the doctors find out what's wrong with you soon, briskate.