Can Pulmonary Function Tests be conducted wrong or read wrong?

Posted by LPRSOB @jdbarr1, Mar 20 12:02am

I had a Pulmonary Function test done last year. The doctor told me I had "light" "early onset" asthma. He said it was because my NO was a bit high (18 with 16 as upper limit). He said nothing else.

I tried an inhaler, both maintenance and acute. I think Symbicort and Albuterol. Neither helped me in any way.

Came back later and saw his NP. After a visit or two we found a few things: Anxiety meds helped my attacks, distraction by talking to people helped, but the nasal spray given to me by an allergist and the inhalers were simply not working. The allergist did a blood test and found no allergies though I was diagnosed with the pin prick test in another state as a child with seasonal allergies. That was 15 years prior and I was told that I basically grew out of the allergies and living in a vastly different climate with different allergens contributed to that. That said, an ENT did find swollen turbinates'.

All of the above led her to say I might not have an asthma problem and if I do per the PFT, it's pretty minimal.

The main culprit was thought to be Acid Reflux. I suffer from LPR (Silent Reflux), VCD (Vocal Cord Dysfunction), as well as severe anxiety which I have had for many years. Hence, the thought process was the LPR/VCD combined with anxiety was a bigger culprit.

Had a recent visit with a new NP because I had asked to check for E-asthma. To my surprise, it turns out they had checked for it previously, but now she said I had traditional asthma much more severe than the original Dr. and NP said!

I went today to pick up my medical records. Based on what is written, it does seem to indicate a moderate issue:

"The FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio and FEF25-75% are reduced indicating airway obstruction. The airway resistance is increased. The SVC is reduced but the TLC is within normal limits. Following administration of Bronchodilators, there is a slight response. The diffusing capacity is high for the measured volume.

Conclusions: Moderate airway obstruction is present. The lack of response to bronchodilators may indicate a refractory state. Prolonged use may be of benefit. The increased diffusing capacity would be consistent with asthma or a cardiovascular process such as left heart failure or shunting. "

So, my questions:

-Can the test give false positives?
-Can anxiety mess up the test results?
-Can LPR mimic asthma on a test like a PFT?
-How much room for interpretation is there between providers typically?

I am just very confused how the inhaler didn't help and the original Dr and his NP were both not too concerned but this new NP says there is a much bigger problem and it seems supported in the initial report. What am I missing?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Asthma Support Group.

Which provider do you trust the most? I know how disconcerting it can be to get conflicting information. In the past, I just worked on the best way to control my symptoms. However now I’m older and certain diagnoses are unwanted. I’m hoping that with time, your diagnosis will be more consistent and understandable.

REPLY

@jdbarr1 I'm thinking that with confusing results like these, plus conflicting opinions, it might be time to see a pulmonologist for a complete evaluation.

The finding "... The lack of response to bronchodilators may indicate a refractory state. Prolonged use may be of benefit..." may indicate a need for a different or longer-acting inhaler or oral medication.

It might help to do a little reading about Asthma and living with it. Here are couple good resources:
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/learn-about-asthma
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/managing-asthma

As always, the members here are ready to answer your questions.
Sue

REPLY
@sueinmn

@jdbarr1 I'm thinking that with confusing results like these, plus conflicting opinions, it might be time to see a pulmonologist for a complete evaluation.

The finding "... The lack of response to bronchodilators may indicate a refractory state. Prolonged use may be of benefit..." may indicate a need for a different or longer-acting inhaler or oral medication.

It might help to do a little reading about Asthma and living with it. Here are couple good resources:
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/learn-about-asthma
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/managing-asthma

As always, the members here are ready to answer your questions.
Sue

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Thank you so much!!!

I'm honestly just scared right now. Not knowing what's wrong me and having severe anxiety is tough. But I leave for a trip soon and that is a big trigger as well. The uncertainty is really hitting me hard.

So I'm thankful for everyone on the forum because it's very helpful and reassuring.

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@jdbarr1

Thank you so much!!!

I'm honestly just scared right now. Not knowing what's wrong me and having severe anxiety is tough. But I leave for a trip soon and that is a big trigger as well. The uncertainty is really hitting me hard.

So I'm thankful for everyone on the forum because it's very helpful and reassuring.

Jump to this post

Any new diagnosis can cause anxiety, so you are not alone!
Please realize that asthma is a quite common condition, and many of us live well with it for decades. It is important to find a method for you that gets it under control, so you can live your best life.

Have you located a pulmonologist yet? For now, take your rescue inhale along, use it regularly, and enjoy your trip. Pursue a long term solution when you return.

Sue

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@sueinmn

Any new diagnosis can cause anxiety, so you are not alone!
Please realize that asthma is a quite common condition, and many of us live well with it for decades. It is important to find a method for you that gets it under control, so you can live your best life.

Have you located a pulmonologist yet? For now, take your rescue inhale along, use it regularly, and enjoy your trip. Pursue a long term solution when you return.

Sue

Jump to this post

Unfortunately, inhalers haven't worked for me which have caused me to call all of this into question.

I think I still have one in my closet though, so I plan on taking it with me to try just in case.

I will take your comment to heart and it helps to know I'm not alone, even if I do wish I could snap my fingers and make this go away for the millions who suffer.

Thanks again, Sue.

REPLY

Good morning,
If meds are not working, it doesnt necessary means that tests are false positive. It might mean you are not on the right medication. I agree with above commemts to see pulm md, its their job to find right meds.

With regards to tests - Pulmonary function tests they are highly sensitive and specific (statistically speaking :). Pulmonology uses ATS criteria
https://www.thoracic.org/statements/pulmonary-function.php

Good luck and enjoy your trip ! Hopefully different weather helps with symtpms too !

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