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)
