A couple of queries.

[Shazza59]

On inhaling I get a crackling kind of sound seeming to come from bottom of throat, no cough, mucus or wheeze - can anyone shed any light on this?

Also wondering if spirometry test can show what kind of lung disease or just that there is an obstruction? Would I need a CT scan to show this as my X-ray did not show anything but on spirometry I am moderate COPD. Starting of wonder if 4 and a half years of vaping has given me ‘popcorn’ lung. Any advice appreciated as doctor still won’t refer me to respiratory consultant yet. Thank you.

[Robin77]

Can't say anything about the crackles - but wonder if you should insist on the referral? Even if symptoms are mild, you'd probably feel better with a precise diagnosis from a specialist?

[Shazza59 in reply to Robin77]

I think so Robin, would like to know exactly what I’m dealing with at this stage as I’m obsessed with the illness at the moment. Thanks.

[Caspiana]

Hello Shazza59 .

I have Obliterative Bronchiolitis or "Popcorn lung". I think the first thing I noticed when I started to get ill was the crackling sound when I breathed. This sound usually means the small air sacs in the lungs have some fluid.

This does not mean though that you have OB. There could be other reasons for this. I did so many tests over and over 😑 before I got a diagnosis. Just off the top of my head, I did sputum cultures , CT scan, blood tests, a lung function test, x-rays and six minute walk tests. Sometimes they opt for a lung biopsy as well.

It does take time to find the cause. I went to three lung specialists and they came up with the same diagnosis. And crackles alone does not mean you have BO.

I hope you get a referral to a specialist soon and you get some answers.

Try not to panic. Stress just makes it all worse.

Sending warm wishes.

Cas xx 🍀

[Shazza59 in reply to Caspiana]

Thank you Cas, I will go back to doctor for answers and more tests hopefully. It is quite a faint crackling and no-one else seems to hear it. So many lung diseases and yet I thinks gps are just happy to term them all as COPD unless questioned.

I will push for my referral. Hope you are feeling ok yourself. 🌺

Sending warm wishes back 🌹.

Sharon xx

[anng1814]

Hi,

It could be a sign of emphysema. I have the same crackle that you are describing, but it comes and goes. My husband had a crackle after an accident, when he had punctured his lung - the Dr described it as surgical emphysema and his crackle has now gone. A CT scan would show more than a chest x-ray, but you could query the results of your x-ray, as my DR did not tell me that I had a flattened diaprahm which is a sign of emphysema.

Hope this helps and don't panic!

[Shazza59 in reply to anng1814]

Thanks anng, will try not to panic, just fed up with the not knowing and things taken no further. Will also query x Ray though told it came back clear. Just fed up at moment!!!

[anng1814 in reply to Shazza59]

I was also told that my x-ray was clear. It was only after I requested my medical notes that I found out about the flattened diaphragm. Yes, it is very frustrating, as I had not even been given the results of my spirometer tests. I was just given inhalers with no explanation and told to stop smoking.

Take care.

[Carnival567]

I too have obliterative bronchiolitis as well as bronchiectasis and a few other problems. OB can be caused by diacetyl which they used for flavouring popcorn and other things, but that is by no means the only cause. Mine was caused by a drug given for atrial fibrillation, and many powerful drugs for other conditions cause lung problems too. Don't beat yourself up over vaping, it probably has nothing to do with it. Push for a referral to a consultant, if you live in the U.K. you are legally entitled to a second opinion. Otherwise do what you can and enjoy life as much as possible. All the best xx

[Shazza59 in reply to Carnival567]

Thanks Carnival, I live in Ireland but will have to really push for referral to Consultant as not the ‘guideline’ here to refer when moderate. Wish I could enjoy life but seem to be obsessing about illness since diagnosis and not doing things I enjoy. Gave up vaping on diagnosis and have been going for a few walks last one was 3 and half miles with the kids. Really hope I don’t have OB but worried about it with the crackling. Take care Sharon x

[Carnival567 in reply to Shazza59]

I think you are doing really well to walk so far. I had crackles with bronchiectasis long before I was diagnosed with OB and consultant I had then didn't pursue it. OB came later with the heart medication. It is always a worry when you are diagnosed with a life changing illness but if you really can't cope talk to someone. Your children will love you whatever state you are in, and so will everyone who knows you. All the best xxx

[Shazza59 in reply to Carnival567]

Thank you so much for your kind words. I think I will have to try to talk to someone as would like to get to the bottom of the crackles. I am sure as time goes by I will think less and less about illness and just carry on. Take care xx

[wheezyof]

I too get crackles. I was told by my GP it's mucus causing it. I have Bronchiectasis and Bronchiolitis Obliterans. However I know others with different lung problems who get crackles. I think you should raise your concerns with your doctor, We can support you but you need a doctor to sort you out. We are all so different.

I suggest you make yourself a note of the questions you want answered and get a doctors appt. If you go to a medical centre maybe get your appt with a different doctor there. If you have a long list ask for a double appt.

If you do not get the help you need from your doctor then ring BLF for help.

[Shazza59 in reply to wheezyof]

Need loads of questions answered wheezyof but last visit gp wasn’t giving much away!!! Don’t cough or have mucus so don’t think it’s that. Chest is always clear when doctor listens to it. Only thing wrong with me is that on stairs and fast walks get some sob and of course the slight crackling on inhaling. Really worried all the time about this and original diagnosis. Need to make gp listen and give referral. Thanks for replying, Sharon x

[Robin77 in reply to Shazza59]

Do you know exact criteria for referral? Might be helpful. Great you're even managing to give up the vaping. But as others say, you can have lung conditions without ever smoking at all. That's my case. Don't allow people to make you feel bad about a smoking history. You have a right to a precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Try not to worry! All the best.

[Shazza59 in reply to Robin77]

Not sure on criteria Robin, just know gp has to refer me and doesn’t think I am bad enough stage for referral to specialist or rehab!!! I was diagnosed moderate but given no other info, kind of muttered the figures 61 and 63 but just kept saying not too bad when I asked how bad I am. Have given up vaping with the help of Nicorette Inhaler, which I am still using. Gave up cigarettes over four years ago but smoked a lot. Will have to more demanding, not a very forceful person at best of times but where health is concerned think will have to be. Thank you for advice and take care.

[Carnival567]

I meant to say that JeffAjaxSmith posted guidance for Irish doctor's on here which you might find helpful.