Bill, my X-ray also showed hyperinflated lungs. And it didn’t make sense that I had COPD with my PFT results. I was told it was because of my anatomy too.

Hello poodledoc, Sounds like you went to more than one Pulmonologist until you finally got service! After my Bronchoscopy last October, the second opinion Pulmonologist said he could find nothing that was causing the choking mucus. That was that, because his office will not answer phone calls. Not knowing me--and if I were to read what was just written--I would probably be thinking "she must be some kind of irritating nut, for the doctor to ignore her!" My husband says to tell you I am not!!! Haha. Really, there is no reason for the doctor to treat me this way, and it is very confusing and hurtful. The last time I spoke with his office, his nurse was yelling at me on the phone saying they would not prescribe antibiotics. I asked her what was I supposed to do, die? Without antibiotics, the mucous changes consistency which is impossible to cough up no matter what method is used. The nurse just laughed. So, for the 20th time, it was off to the ER, because my throat closes up. Only then, after it is critical, will antibiotics be prescribed. This vicious cycle is ongoing. The part that is really confusing is, they did find e-coli in the Lavage sample, and MRSA, plus Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia in a sputum sample. I was once again in the ER coughing up blood, and barking like a seal in a futile attempt at getting the cement in my lungs to break loose. Sorry, no jackhammer available. Honestly, if they do not figure this out, my life is surely going to be cut way short. Thanks for your kind reply, and I hope you feel better.