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Respiratory Disorders  (Expert Forum)
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PFT's with mild obstruction
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PFT's with mild obstruction

by heartygirl, Apr 04, 2007 12:00AM
My 15 year old daughter (116 lb., never smoked) had a sports physical a few weeks ago and the doctor heard some wheezing and therefore performed a PFT on her.  Her results came back saying mild obstruction AND the results actually worsened AFTER her Albuterol treatment.  PREMED was -07:09 and POSTMED -07:21.  Almost every measurement worsened after the treatment.  
Her doctor acted like that was unheard of.... what do you think?
Also, you may need to know that she had extensive pneumonia about 3 years ago, could this have contributed to this new diagnosis of asthma?  She has never had any other problems.  
My questions would be:
1.  What is the significance of 'no improvement' AFTER the medication during her PFT?
2.  Could her pneumonia 3 years ago have done some lung damage that contributed to this new diagnosis of asthma?
3.  If she had no improvement after the Albuterol, would an inhaler help her if she did have an asthma attack?
4.  Do you think she needs to be evaluated by a pulmonoligist? Or do you think just a follow up with this family practitioner OK?
Thank you so much for your valuable time.  
Sincerely, Denise

by National Jewish, Apr 05, 2007 12:00AM
Here are some answers to your questions:

1. Having no response does not necessarily mean anything.  If the tests were performed when the physician heard wheezing, the tests were done right and the results are as you describe for the FEV1 (not consistent with these numbers), then asthma is less likely.
2. This is possible. Asthma can occur after some respiratory infections.  It is also possible for this to occur as part of her hormonal changes of puberty.  This is also a common time for asthma to start.
3.I cannot assume that your daughter has asthma on the basis of what you have described.  There are other possible causes and some of these do not respond to albuterol inhalers.
4. Without a diagnosis and with persistent symptoms that involve the chest, seeing a specialist is a good idea.
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