Mild Emphysema Diagnosis

[KLMcCoy]

I was diagnosed via CT scan with mild emphysema.  I had originally went to the Dr  feeling like I couldn't get a deep breath and yawning to try to get it.  I had a pulmonary function test done and the technician said it looked good and normal.  I have smoked for 25 years but with the diagnosis of mild emphysema 8 days ago, I quit.  If it's mild emphysema and my PFT was normal, why would I be having this feeling of not being able to get a deep breath?  Could it be anxiety?  I've been super stressed for the past year, and now I'm extremely worried about this. Not to mention that I have severe health anxiety.  The results of my test are:
FVC                          92.9
FEV1                        90.0
FEV1%FVC               96.2
PEF                          70.1
PEF 25/75                 95.8
MEF 75                     79.3
MEF 50                     100.0
MEF 25                      65.1

DLCO SB                   107.7
DLCO VA                   113.1

TLC                            103.5
RV                             112.2
RV%TLC                     105.2
VC                              102.0

I'm worried about hte TLC and RV because I've read that increased lung capacity isn't good.  I've also read that with COPD you have a life expectency of 5 years.  Any information is greatly appreciated.  Thank you.  

[David Tinkelman, M.D.]

You can relax.  These pulmonary function test results are essentially normal.  That is, the measured functions we actually use to assess overall lung function are well within the normal range.  Mild emphysema, of itself, is not a threat to your pulmonary function and if not worsened by smoking, will leave you with ample lung function to enjoy a normal, physically active life for the rest of your life.  However, the demonstration of any loss of lung function attributable to emphysema is a powerful warning sign that your lungs are sensitive to the adverse effects of cigarette smoke and send a strong message that, having quit smoking, you should never smoke again.  And if you succeed in quiting, you will be guaranteed near normal lung function for the rest of your life.

Given your normal measured lung function, it is highly likely that your feeling of “not being able to get a deep breath” is on the basis of anxiety.  Such anxiety could worsen with smoking cessation so be prepared for that and discuss with your doctor actions that help to reduce your anxiety.

Symptoms of GERD can vary considerably but a "rumbling in the chest" would be unusual.  The rumbling would more likely be a reflection of re-expansion of your lungs, and of no significance.  You could have GERD and with it, at times of reflux, have bronchospasm characteristic of asthma.  These would be episodic and not inconsistent with normal measured pulmonary function.

Yes, your anxiety "could be making this worse".  I suggest that you do your best to ignore the rumbling and your respiration, engage in regular exercise and pay less attention to your health.

Good luck

[KLMcCoy]

I forgot to add that I also get a funny rumbling feeling deep in the center of my chest after waking up or having been supine for awhile.  This goes away after 2 breaths.  I've read that could be caused by GERD.  I'm wondering if the air hunger could be as well.  I just don't know if I could be making this worse with the health anxiety.  Thank you in advance for your reply.  

Karin McCoy