Has anyone been diagnosed with small airway disease?
I've had a chronic cough for a year and shortness of breath for about 6 months. I had a spirometry in June that came back with mild restrictive disease and a diagnosis of very mild asthma. Ive had 2 chest xrays and a CT scan, all clear. I've had blood tests that came back good.
What is small airway disease?
Is it different from COPD?
I did a methacholine challenge at the end of December. I never heard from the doctor. When I called for an update, the nurse said I had mild small airway disease. She said I could talk to the doctor when I see him again which isn't scheduled for another 6 weeks. I don’t see much info on small airway disease but it seems as its the same thing as COPD? Does anyone have any insight? Thanks.
Hi mbleu, and thanks for your post. You may be aware we cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet (for your own safety), but your concern certainly warrants a reply.
It is probably a good idea to discuss this directly with your diagnosing physician. Since small airways are sized at less than 2 millimeters in diameter, COPD and asthma can certainly fall into that category, generally speaking.
It is your physician who will provide you with the diagnosis and, although the nurse no doubt, was trying to be helpful, her description may very well encompass COPD and asthma. The mild restrictive disease you mentioned is different from the obstructive diseases of COPD and asthma.
I hope I've provided you with some insight, although I would again suggest you speak directly with your physician about this. It can tend to get confusing until explained by your doctor.
Please do check back and let us know how this all turns out for you.
All the best,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)I currently have been I'll since October 23. I was told I had Bronchitis and laryngitis. Had x-rays, CT scan, blood work...heck I even had my husband call an ambulance for me because I couldn't breathe, especially when I talk. Again I was told I had Bronchitis and laryngitis and given antibiotics and cough meds. I've tried numerous times to go to work (I am a teacher) and each time my oxygen levels drop from 99 to low 80s...it was down to 75% one day!! My pulmonary function test results said small airway disease. It's now November 26 and I'm still not better. They can't get me in for pulmonary rehab until December 30 and I can't see the pulmonologist until January 9!!!! I don't know what to do anymore! My GP Dr has me on FMLA leave until December 18 but that was because she thought I'd get 2-3 weeks of pulmonary rehab in by then. I'm so depressed and I see no end in sight. I'm tired of missing out on everything..if it's not because of this then it's migraines. Please tell me you have answers and are feeling better!! I also have an echocardiogram scheduled for tomorrow! Yay me 🥺 
I hear how difficult and emotional things have been for you lately. You are indeed dealing with a lot but we are here to offer you whatever support we can. We aren't professional counselors but we do have a few really helpful articles on dealing with the emotional side of COPD: https://copd.net/coping-mental-health-copd and we have some additional resources here: https://copd.net/mental-health/coping-general-resources Best, Sam S. (COPD team).
thank you!! My echocardiogram was a disaster. I had trouble breathing and then the tingling in my hands and face started. I kept just breathing and thinking about my "happy place" but it got so bad that the tech got the cardiac nurse. The nurse said we should go to the ER (I was already at the hospital for the test) because my hands seized up and apparently I had twitching in my face. By that time my arms and legs were completely numb and this lasted for over 2 hours even with Adavan. The Dr said it was anxiety!! Do you know how many times those er docs have said that? I pushed for an answer to why have I had laryngitis since October and I had a CT scan of my neck. More issues... apparently I have degenerative disc disease in C5, c6 and c7. However he failed to mention the other finding that was on the report. Biapical pleural-parenchymal thickening of the lung apices...I don't know why he never said that. Anyway, sorry for my complaining!! Just so frustrated!! Hopefully the pulmonologist tomorrow will help me figure it all out! Thank you for letting me vent! 
Hi. I look forward to what has to say to your response here. In the meantime, I took have something to add. First off, I do not see you as complaining. You are always welcome to vent in this 'safe space.' I can only imagine how frustrating and overwhelming everything must feel right now. The symptoms you experienced during the echocardiogram sound really distressing, and it's understandable that the doctors want to attribute it to anxiety, but I can see why that doesn’t feel like the whole picture.I also wanted to comment on the "biapical pleural-parenchymal thickening" seen on your CT scan that you described. It is possible that it could be related to COPD, as it’s a common finding in some cases. However, your pulmonologist will be the best person to give you more clarity on what it means in the context of your overall health. I'm glad you have that appointment coming up – hopefully, your doctor will help you connect the dots and give you the answers you're looking for. It’s really important to keep advocating for yourself, and I’m proud of you for doing that. You deserve to have all aspects of your health fully addressed. Hang in there, and I hope you get the clarity you need soon. I'm here (We are here) if you need to talk more. Wishing you all the best. John. community moderator.
Thank you for your response!! I really appreciate you taking the time to chat with me and help me through this journey. I'm sure I'll be posting tomorrow after my appointment. Fingers crossed...it all goes well!! Good luck. Looking forward to your next post. All the best. John. community moderator.
