X-ray results slight shortness of breath
Hi, I'm an active 66 year old male I visited my doctor a couple of weeks ago as I had noticed a very gradual slight shortness of breath a couple of weeks before I made the appointment. I quit smoking 2 years ago and I was reasonably fine until now My doctor said it could be mild angina but I don't get any chest pains or anything and I walk about 6 miles or more every week Anyway she sent me for a routine chest X-ray and mentioned on the referral letter that I was an ex smoker and also said that I had a cough I did have a cough 5 weeks before this because I had a flu virus but it had gone by the time I visited my doctor don't know why she wrote that on the letter Anyway I was just informed today that the x ray results had been sent to my doctor the receptionist said I was to make an appointment with the doctor to discuss emphysema but I don't think I have this I don't recognize any emphysema symptoms and all the chest x rays I've had in the past have always been satisfactory and I had been fine for years even when I used to smoke I felt okay on the day I went for the x ray appointment I don't think It is correct although I haven't actually seen the report yet I have requested a copy from my doctor I also haven't been diagnosed with angina either yet as I am waiting on a telephone consultation from a cardiologist so I am a bit confused as to what it is that I actually have I do also get anxiety quite often it usually happens when I am in a rush when walking a mile to the superstore and on a bus My heart rate is always normal when I am out walking and the same when resting I don't usually have any breathing problems at home could I be developing emphysema and not realize? anyway I would be grateful for any advice Andy, Glasgow 🥰 🏴
Hi, Andy. I hear how confusing it is trying to figure out what's going on, especially when it seems like you and your doctor have separate thoughts.
First, I'm not a doctor, so I can't give medical advice for your own safety. Ultimately, the only people who can tell you for sure what is going on are your doctors. But we can offer suggestions.
It could be that you are still dealing with leftover issues from the flu. Emphysema is part of COPD, and one of the main symptoms of that is shortness of breath. It can come on very gradually. There are other possibilities too, like asthma.
Typically, if you are suspected to have a respiratory problem, the next step is to do more testing, particularly pulmonary function tests (PFT) to see how well your lungs are working and how they respond to medication. Bloodwork and other imaging tests can be a part of this process as well. Here is some more info about how COPD is diagnosed:
https://copd.net/clinical/what-is-pulmonary-function-testing
The best thing you can do is let them run all the tests and see what they suggest. If you are not sure it seems right or just don't trust your doctor, it might be worth it to see a different doctor. I know that the healthcare situation is different is Scotland than in the US where I am, so unfortunately I am not sure what options are available to you. But I do know that it's your doctor's job to explain things to you clearly, and to make decisions with you as a team. You have the right to see someone else if you aren't getting good care. Please keep us updated and ask us as many questions as you'd like. We have lots of resources! Best of luck. -Melissa, team memberHi, again I recieved my telephone appointment from my doctor last week and she discussed my X-ray report she said my lungs were working okay but the hospital radiologist had discovered slight signs on my lungs similar to patients who have COPD mine is very mild though I don't cough or have mucus problems my breathing is reasonably fine at home and I go up and down stairs all the time I only feel it slightly when I walk uphill my doctor didn't give me an inhaler spray because I only have mild COPD and I didn't think I needed it not right now anyway and hopefully I won't need one I do a lot of walking and walk 5 or more miles every week What I don't understand is that sometimes after walking a mile or so I get very hot and light headed It doesn't happen every week but I just wondered if this is related to my COPD issue or just an age thing it only lasts for a few minutes and I feel fine I usually buy a bottle of Isotonic sports drink and this helps cooI me down I am quite active for my age even though I am nearly 67 but I never experienced this before as I have been used to walking long distances for years and never really got hot or light headed I also had a recent blood test 3 weeks ago and It was satisfactory I have also been getting tired and sleeping a lot some days Do any others who have COPD have similar issues with tiredness or light headedness I also have HBP don't know if it's the Losartan meds that are doing this I asked my doctor but she doesn't seem to think so but I kinda disagree At least I know I don't have angina which the doctor originally suspected and I don't get any chest pains anyway even with the mild COPD I always set my fitness watch and walk the same route every week my heart rate is always normal walking and resting It never even reaches my target exercise rate even when carrying heavy shopping sometimes. I'm just glad that I quit smoking 2 years ago or it could have been worse I just want to keep myself healthy and active especially when I am going to see Billie Eilish in concert next July with my 20 year old daughter and another Rock concert later.Anyway thought I would just let you know how I am getting on so far. Andy Glasgow 🥰🏴
First of all, congratulations on quitting smoking two years ago. That’s so important. What a fun plan then, to go to a Billie Ellish concert. Do you both like Rock?
Walking is good exercise and so important. It sounds like you are caring for yourself as the best you can. Hopefully they will get an accurate diagnosis for you.
They had some trouble diagnosing me in the early stages. Hopefully you will get the answers that you need. I hope too that the meds that you are treated with helps you and brings relief.
Janet (Team Member)
