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PFT test normal, still shortness of breath
Hello,
My PFT (Pulmonary Function test) was done a couple of weeks ago and came out normal. Nevertheless, an increase in vigor or duration of exercise can bring back the coughing and mild breathlessness.
What should be my next steps?
Could it be a cardiac or other issue?
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I know several of us who had lung surgery have made the observation that the pft is always best case - sitting calmly. But ask me to walk up an incline or lift a corner of my mattress to change sheets or bend over to clean baseboards and I’m gasping for breath.
Did you have lung surgery too?
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1 ReactionThanks for sharing your experience.
No, never had any issues with my lungs, except the ground-glass spots appearing and disappearing over the years.
I'm a 70 year old diabetic, and an ex-smoker.
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1 ReactionYes, shortness of breath can be a cardiac issue. Only a cardiologist can tell you if that is an issue. A mild shortness of breath is how I discovered I had both lung cancer and needed a stent. I went to Urgent Care (Primary not available). EKG was normal but had abnormal chest x-ray. Two weeks later I was at hospital returning oximeter, and I had strange numbness in my feet. I went to ER and they found elevated troponin and did angiogram which showed 70 percent blockage (minimum for a stent) . I still have shortness of breath. Recently Cardiologist told me that some tests may be OK but one still has the disorder.
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1 ReactionI would go to a cardiologist and get checked out. Also, I question if you have exercised induced asthma since movement brings it on. Do you use a rescue inhaler by chance like Albuterol 2.5? The cardiologist can answer all of this for you. Praying you get some answers for this.
Doc can have you do tests while on a treadmill. Various speeds and inclines. My ptf was normal but treadmill was not. Good luck.