Hey, 23/M non smoker. I had a spontaneous lung collapse back in 2021, then another one right after the first one,so had VATS surgery, bunch of xrays and a CT scan. All of my imagining were normal and clear.
During VATS they removed a portion of my upper lobe+pleurodesis and pleurectomy , to prevent another PTX.
The lung biopsy on the removed part said "Emphysematous changes" caused the lung collapse, and had Emphysema written all over my diagnosis paper which i didn't know what it meant since they didn't mention it.I was referred to pulmonology with the diagnosis of: Emphysema,And ptx
The pulmonologist said i'm fine, there were no spirometry done because of COVID pandemic.They didn't mention the "Emphysema" written on my diagnosis either during the visit back in 2021, just said PTX happens sometimes to tall/skinny guys which i was during that time.
Few years now, i feel mostly fine, but i have developed a slight wheezing exhale especially on the right side where i had the lung surgery. I went to my doctors two times who said he didn't hear any wheezing and did an xray which was also fine. he doubts that i have COPD at my age and no smoking background. But reffered me to Pulmonolgy just to be sure what causes it.
I have an appointment for the end of February, but i'm a bit scared of those Emphysema stuff written on my papers, back from PTX surgery.
My current symptomps are the wheezing (which only happens if i lay on my back or the right side) I don't really cough, only after meals sometimes, usually its dry. I have no chest pain or tightness, no shortness of breath but my nose is always stuffed and have a lot of clear mucus at the back of my throat. +Family history of Asthma but i was never diagnosed with one. i Also have a severe pectus carinatum thats more prominent on the right side.
I currently use a Ventolin inhaler which stops the wheezing for a few hours completely. I'm not sure if i have asthma because i only wheeze and don't cough but inhalers seems to work on me a bit.
Now i'm waiting for my appointment and hope for the best, i just hope it's not COPD because i don't know if i could accept it at all at my age.
Sorry for the long rant, i just i thought i share it because i'm really scared and want to get some advices, since i saw a lot of really helpfull stuff at this community.