Parenchymal bands

@lillian32- Good morning. That's a great question. Parenchymal bands can be caused by many different things, for example, pulmonary fibrosis or asbestos. They are bands that go through your lungs. Wiki says, "Pulmonary fibrosis involves gradual exchange of normal lung parenchyma with fibrotic tissue. The replacement of normal lung with scar tissue causes irreversible decrease in oxygen diffusion capacity, and the resulting stiffness or decreased compliance makes pulmonary fibrosis a restrictive lung disease.

Have you ever worked or been in an environment that has asbestos or other dangerous pollutants? What did your doctor say about this progression?

Hi. No I’ve never worked in a hazardous industry but I do have sarcoidosis although I’ve been told it’s not in my lungs. It’s only in my lymph nodes, skin and spleen. I’ve never smoked and I don’t have asthma. My lung function tests are still good but have deteriorated recently (down 5% in 6 months) and so has my oxygen saturation. The GP who phoned me with the result of my CT is waiting until I see my respiratory physician before he makes any comment. I’m booked to have one of those lung function tests where you go in the glass booth in about a months time.

@lillian32- A respiratory physician is called a Pulmonologist. When is your appointment?

After my next lung function test is over. It depends on Covid whether the appointments are going ahead. My GP advised me to buy a pulse oxymeter for home and I’ve ordered one, it should arrive this week sometime.

I do get breathless but it’s not consistent. Sometimes I’m fine and then suddenly, out of the blue I have trouble catching my breath. It’s odd. I do have 1st degree heart block but that shouldn’t cause any symptoms.