COPD

[sheilav62]

Ive just been diagnosed with copd. My exrays showed my right lung was longer than my left lung and i was told it has been stretched. What has caused this?

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi sheila welcome to the forum. Not quite Sure what's caused I maybe someone on here can tell you. Please carry on posting its always nice to hear from someone new. Take care 😊 xx Bernadette

[stone-UK]

Hi

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. Certain lung problems, such as asthma and cystic fibrosis, also can 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. However, if it isn't clear what is causing the hyperinflation, your doctor may recommend additional testing.

[cofdrop-UK]

A very warm welcome to you. cx

[Pam1952]

Hello Sheila and welcome. There are lots of people on here with the same thing, including me. Your doctor should have taken the time to explain more about your condition to you, and what the results of your x-ray mean.

If it's any comfort, I was diagnosed with COPD 8 years ago and I still work full-time and lead an active life. I currently go to the gym 3 times per week.

Please see your GP and get a full explanation of your condition from him...that's your right.

Good luck and take care. Pam XXX

[mrsmummy]

Hello and welcome to the site. You have some excellent replies here.

[58ender]

Hi Sheila very warm welcome,I'm also new to forum,very helpful place to be in.

Ender.

[O2Trees]

Hi Sheila, re long lungs, just a small point: it's worth remembering if you have an X-ray to tell the radiologist that you have long lungs, otherwise they might use the shorter frames they usually use for women (whose lungs are normally shorter than men's). If they do use the wrong one and don't manage to get all of your lungs in the picture, then they will have to do the X-ray again which means double the radiation. I have had asthma, and hyperinflated lungs, since my 20s and after that happened to me the first time I have always told them. And they are always pleased to be told - no radiologist wants you to have more radiation than necessary.

Welcome to the forum

[knitter in reply to O2Trees]

Hi O2 Trees, I have to tell the radiologist about my long lungs too.

[sheilav62]

Thanks for all the welcomes and your comments. I have a CT coming up and an appt. being scheduled for a lung and heart dr. I'am not sure about the streching of my right lung. I do know that i couldn't complete my pulmonary test Monday. I just cant blow the air out. I have alot of discomfort sleeping and short of breath constantly and alot of mucus in my throat. With my mother passing from pulmonary fibrosis i'am very concerned. Something is definitely going on.

[Dragonmum]

I seem to remember a member who used to post as "Longlungs" back in the day, so you are not alone!

[Buddhaprince]

I would question as to if you have a unilateral paralyzed diaphragm. I have that, it was only diagnosed 5 years ago. When I think back on my physical fitness as a child, I was always in the back of the pack, with fat kids, running around the soccer field. Otherwise, I was in good shape, just could not get enough oxygen to keep up with others.

[Watfordgirl]

Hello sheiav62, it's nice to meet you.

When you go for results of your CT scan etc do ask for an easy to understand explanation of what's going on with your lungs, and, yes, the diagnosis would be helpful.

Do let us know, Sue x

[Catnip]

Greetings and welcome.

I have long lungs, too -- the result of damage when I was very small, and then donkey's years of emphysema. You aren't on your own. Do ask why you have this problem.