Emphysema

[Madonna1]

Hi does anyone know which is more accurate a lung function test or a CT scan.

[Flyby7]

I should say a ct scan because it can look at your lungs to see what is going on i had a ct scan when I was diagnosed with copd hope this helps

[Madonna1 in reply to Flyby7]

Thank you for reply.

[katieoxo60]

Hello Madonna1, I would say the CT scan is better for diagnosis, lung function tests only suggest the lungs are poorly working and need investigation. Both tests have a part to play in diagnosis and monitoring of progression of your illness. Xrays do not expose all lung conditions , Cts give a better picture of how good or bad your lung condition is and can detect changes since last scan. My lung condition was confirmed by CT and breathing tests. Hope this helps you.

[Madonna1 in reply to katieoxo60]

Will it be easier for them to know which inhaler would be the best from a CT..

[katieoxo60 in reply to Madonna1]

Unfortunately none of the tests can decide which inhaler is best for you, thats very much trial and error on the basis of which works best from passed experience by medics of certain drugs improving certain illness plus patient feed back of their experience Hence the reason we have these forums which can highlight problems with certain drugs . The tests one hopes will give a correct diagnosis to help the doctor decide which drug might be best and confirm the severity of your illness. Or even confirm there is no illness. CT is merely a diagnostic tool as is lung function test I guess. Hope this helps

[Feelingblessed2013]

I agree with katieoxo60. The pft only measures lung function, my pft shows restriction, but no obstruction. Doctor thinks the restriction is probably because I am missing 2 lung lobes. The only reason they admit I have emphysema is because of the CT scans, the scan shows the damaged lung tissue.

[R2B_John Moderator in reply to Feelingblessed2013]

Odd that you have emphysema but CT shows a restrictive disease, since emphysema is obstructive. Possibly because of the lobes being removed? I think it is possible for some people to have both restrictive as well as obstructive conditions.

[Feelingblessed2013 in reply to R2B_John]

The PFT results say my breathing is restricted, my old pulmonologist said probably due to the lack of lung lobes. The CT scans show damaged lung tissue from emphysema. Based on the pft she did, she told me that I did not have emphysema or copd. Then she saw the surgeons report from my first LC surgery that said I have emphysema. She then corrected her diagnosis.

[R2B_John Moderator in reply to Feelingblessed2013]

Maybe have another conversation with the doctor or seek another doctor's opinion. I am not a clinician at all. I tried to research a lobectomy causing restrictive pattern in breathing and could find nothing to support that. And LC surgery is Laparoscopic cholecystectomy which is for gallstones, so I am not of any help. Sorry.

[Feelingblessed2013 in reply to R2B_John]

My PCP told me that I do indeed have emphysema. He showed me the tissue damage on my ct scan. I have since started seeing a new pulmonologist. I never mentioned the type of LC surgery I had. At that time my entire left upper lobe had been removed. Since then my entire upper right lobe was removed. I am now down to 3 lobes.

[R2B_John Moderator]

They serve different purposes. A full PFT will determine staging and inform the doctor how well oxygen is transferring (diffusing) to your blood stream. It will also give many markers as to how well your ability to both take in and expel air is.

A CT scan will show where in the lung emphysema exists, if their are nodules, or ground glass opacity.

It truly isn't one vs the other,,,,they are both needed in most cases,,,,but they serve different purposes and needs.