Unsure of my diagnosis.
A little backround about my lung issues. I was born 12 weeks early. In the 80s not much was available for babies like me. I had to be put on a ventilator for a short time then moved to oxygen till about the age of 1. I was told I would always have scaring of the lungs yet didn't notice any lung issues and even was able to go onto be pretty athletic without any breathing difficulties. I was told as a child I didn't have asthma.
I started to notice feeling short of breath during exercising at age 20. I was sent to a pulmonologist who sent the results back to my primary doctor. My primary doctor then referred me to an asthma/allergist specialist who had me take a breathing test. The asthma doctor said gave me 3 different medications to try. After multiple times of coming back the doctor said none of the oral breathing medications seemed to help meaning it's not reversible. I continued to go to him checking in yearly.
After feeling like I was not improving I scheduled a doctor appointment with my primary who referred me to another pulmonologist. The pulmonologist said my numbers are definitely low and this is something people see in patients with bronchial pulmonary displsea which is a result of my prematurity. No medication was given.
I'm a 5 ft 9 in male. Age 30
My numbers are the following:
FVC pred 5.14 my best 4.74(92%)
FEV1 pred 4.3 my best 3.25 (76%)
FEV1/FVC pred .84 my best .69(82%)
FEF 25-75% LS pred 4.63 best 2.23(48%)
PEFR pred 9.36 best 7.16 (76%)This was in 2017. I am now getting shortness of breath even at rest.
I'm told I for sure have obstruction of the lungs. I'm also being told not is known about long term outcome of people that are premature beyond the lungs are equivalent to heavy smokers and people in their 70s. Has anyone heard of lung progression for someone who suffers from this kind of chronic obstruction? The results say this finding can be due to a mild degree of small airway disease or early stages of emphysema.
Hi nmcdonnell, and thank you for both of your posts here. We appreciate you sharing your medical history and current circumstances with the community. From the information you've shared, you have had quite the journey. We're pleased that you have been so candid here.
I would hope you are able to get a more definitive diagnosis and planned treatment from the various pulmonary specialists you are working with. Professionally speaking, I have seen bronchopulmonary dysplasia in patients who were premature at birth. As you mentioned, this can be due to life sustaining treatment provided at birth and throughout one's early years. You may be aware we cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet (for your own safety), so follow-up with the specialists is the best thing you can be doing for yourself at this time.
You may elicit more of a response from the community and members who've had your experience by posting your concern in our Q & A section, which you can access here: https://copd.net/q-and-a/.
If you don't mind, please do keep us posted as to your progress and journey with this condition. We are happy to be able to provide whatever support we can as we continue to exchange information and ideas with you.
Wishing you well -
Warmly,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
