Hi, I am a 60 yr old female. Non smoker but much exposure to chemicals while working on PhD in chemistry in my mid 20's. Ran for 40 years and still running, just less distance due to breathing.
In mid 30's was diagnosed with Asthma though no symptoms. Since 2011, Spirometry results for FEV1/FVC has dropped from 77 to 65 and FEF25-75% from 2.36 to 1.31. (SCARY STUFF) I now have tightness in my chest and am aware of my every breath.
In 2023 I saw an asthma doc and he diagnosed me with mild obstruction, with albuterol improvement and prescribed Trelegy with Montelukast. Said it was persistent asthma without complications. I was since prescribed Advair and albuterol (for running) by my general physician.
With my recent PFT results they are saying I have "mild obstructive ventilatory effect". They mentioned “no significant improvement with bronchodilator” but mentioned it could have just been from 1 administration.They also say mild hyperinflation. Is this COPD, Asthma or both?
As my results are worsening, I am getting more and more anxious. I want to be proactive to stay as healthy as possible - should I be more persistent to see a pulmonologist.
Other background: CT of Lungs (2023) showed lungs, and airways were normal, no etiology for shortness of breath, no pleural effusion, thickening or pneumothorax. Previous CT showed linear opacities in lung bases representative of atelectasis (scar). Xray shows mild obstruction / hyperinflation.
CT's were done as I had open heart surgery 2 years ago due to AFD and PFO's from birth. Both lungs collapsed in ICU.
Again - any support would be most appreciated.