Pneumothorax changing PFT results?
I had a CT guided biopsy for a lung nodule, and was told there were a couple small pneumothorax from the test. A couple weeks after that I was scheduled previously to have a repeat PFT test. I got the results on MyChart, and have been very upset that it looks like my functions looks like it's dropped! My actual appointment is not for another couple weeks to discuss the test.
I wonder if a pneumothorax would skew the PFT results. Can anybody shed any light?
HI twovillages and thanks for your post. While we cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet (for your own safety), your concern certainly warrants a reply. In the most general of terms, a pneumothorax (or a 'couple of small' ones, as you mentioned), can have an impact on PFT results. As the pneumothoraces heal, the lung function may be expected to return to what it was prior to the lung insult. If you are upset, as you say, you may want to call the physician's office and try to have your scheduled appointment moved up to address your apprehension.
Please do check with us and let us know how you're doing.
All the best,
Leon (site moderator)Years ago I had a spontaneous pneumothorax way before i was ever diagnosed with copd. Nine days in the hospital with a chest tube and it healed. Thankfully it never reoccured although i worried about that for months afterwards. During the time i did not experience any notable change in my breathing in and out. It seemed largely asymptomatic except for some pain in my upper left chest and shoulder when it first happened. I am worried now that it could occur now as a result of my failing lungs. Is not the likelihood of this greater with copd?
Having had a large pneumothorax in my left lung, presumably post-Covid, that required surgery, I know that PEF and FEV-1 drop through the floor until there is at least partial healing. I didn't get full function back until after surgery
Not sure why the full text didn’t post…. Seems to happen a lot when I’m on my iPhone. Trying again:
Hi Leon, my left lung healed and sorted itself out and I recovered my fitness / lung function got back to 72% overall. All that time I was being followed by my thoracic surgeon and his team as they were very worried about a repeat incident in my right lung.10 weeks ago I had surgery on my right lung to deal with the risk. As has been noted elsewhere on the forum it didn’t go all to plan and now I have a longer recovery path to build back from where I am now at 57%
Hi again, stix-uk, and thank you for your response and further explanation. It's good to hear you have an excellent and concerned team following you and staying concerned. The recovery may take a bit longer but, optimistically, you should get there. Please do check back and keep us apprised of your progress.
We are here should you need anything from our online community. Please just reach out for me or any other moderator / team member - you can count on all of us!
Warmly,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
What is PFT? For some reason I must of missed it in your replies. I too have COPD, and have for many years. I agree with every reply that you have given and a lot of the reply that other people give has been good also. Just missed the PFT part.
Hi Trish, and thanks for your post. Although I feel certain that will respond when she sees your inquiry, I have something to contribute as well.
A pulmonary function test (PFT), is a diagnostic study used in the evaluation and diagnosis of pulmonary diseases (e.g. COPD. asthma, pulmonary fibrosis).
I thought this article, on that very topic, might provide you with some additional insight for your concern: https://copd.net/answers/expert-answers-what-is-spirometry. I do hope you find the information is helpful for you.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
