Seeking Clarity on My Pulmonary Test Results
I am a 29-year-old female weighing 300 pounds, with a background of smoking and vaping, and I'm feeling quite anxious about my pulmonary test results. I’m often experiencing dry heaving and on occasion, I either vomit or cough up blood. I have a CT scan scheduled for my lungs at the end of the month, but I would appreciate any guidance on interpreting my results. The flow volume loops did not meet the criteria set by the American Thoracic Society (ATS). Although my Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) is deemed normal, mild airflow obstruction was noted. This could be a typical variation for a person who is otherwise healthy, since my Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) remains normal. Further clinical evaluation is necessary. While my Vital Capacity (VC) is within range, the Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) shows a decrease. On the other hand, the Ratio of Residual Volume to Total Lung Capacity (RV/TLC) is normal, and my Total Lung Capacity (TLC) is also satisfactory. Notably, the Diffusing Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO) passed the ATS criteria, indicating normal diffusing capacity.
Answers (1)

8/1/2025, 5:31:13 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your concerns about your pulmonary test results are completely valid, especially given your symptoms and background. Here’s a breakdown of the key points from your results and what they might indicate, along with some immediate steps you can take.
Key Points of Your Test Results:
-
Normal FVC but Mild Airflow Obstruction: While your Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) is normal, the mild airflow obstruction suggests that there may be slight difficulty in pushing air out, which can occur for a variety of reasons, including smoking or asthma-like conditions.
-
Decreased FRC and Normal DLCO: A decreased Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) might suggest that you are not able to keep as much air in your lungs after exhaling, which can be common in certain lung conditions or mechanical issues related to weight or posture. However, your normal DLCO indicates that the gas exchange capability of your lungs is functioning well.
-
Importance of Clinical Evaluation: The statement about needing further clinical evaluation is important. It means that your results indicate that while some lung function aspects are normal, a milder obstruction requires a follow-up to pinpoint the cause and relevant treatment.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms (dry heaving, vomiting, coughing up blood) and any triggers that might worsen them. Note how often they occur and their severity. This information is crucial for your upcoming evaluation.
-
Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Quit Smoking and Vaping: If you haven’t already, consider seeking support to stop smoking/vaping, as this will significantly improve your lung health, regardless of your current test results.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, as they can help soothe your throat and reduce coughing.
- Avoid Irritants: Try to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, strong odors, or allergens which can irritate your lungs.
-
Prepare for Your CT Scan: Make a list of any questions or concerns you have regarding the scan and your symptoms to discuss with your healthcare provider. Understanding what the CT scan is looking for can help ease your anxiety.
-
Follow-Up: Ensure you schedule any necessary follow-up appointments to review your CT results and discuss any further testing or treatments needed.
Acknowledgment:
It's understandable to feel anxious about these results and symptoms, especially given your background and the complexity of interpreting pulmonary function tests. Remember that you are taking proactive steps towards understanding and improving your health. Please feel free to reach out with any further questions or if you need additional information.
Related Questions
Concerns About Breathing Issues
Hello everyone, I'm a 25-year-old woman with a history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and a family background of COPD and lupus. In late May, I began to notice a significant shortness of breath. Given my hectic schedule, I initially attributed it to anxiety, which I felt manifested as a sort of air deprivation; however, I have never previously experienced any physical symptoms of anxiety. By early June, a persistent cough developed. Since that time, I have been dealing with this cough, along with occasional discomfort in my lungs, and the shortness of breath has continued. I've observed that the symptoms worsen in cold environments or when I encounter strong odors such as cleaning products. I visited urgent care, where the nurse practitioner reviewed my chest X-ray and indicated that everything appeared normal and that my lung sounds were clear. Unfortunately, my coughing has progressively intensified. In the past week, I've started to expectorate phlegm, and my nighttime coughing has become particularly troublesome. Last night, the cough was so severe that I woke up to pain in my chest. I am currently on a waiting list to see my primary care physician, with an appointment scheduled for the next week. However, I am uncertain if my situation is urgent enough to warrant a return to urgent care or a visit to the emergency room. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Chest Injury in 35-Year-Old Male Following Car Accident
Patient Profile: 35-year-old male, 6’1, weighing 240 lbs, non-smoker; suffering from hypertension, high cholesterol, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Current medications include nortriptyline, omeprazole, atorvastatin, lisinopril, and tirzepatide. Background: In February, I experienced a car collision that resulted in my vehicle being totaled; all of the airbags deployed. After a couple of hours post-accident, I visited the emergency room where CT scans of my head and chest were performed with contrast, accompanied by basic cardiac evaluations. Initially, no injuries were detected. However, persistent chest pain over the following month prompted a second chest CT, revealing a non-displaced fracture of the sternum. My primary care physician advised me to refrain from lifting and certain activities until I could see a cardiothoracic specialist. The referral for the consultation took nearly a month. Upon evaluation, the cardiothoracic team decided against surgical intervention and directed me to pain management for a nerve block, extending my lifting and activity restrictions for another six weeks. It was another month before I could secure an appointment with pain management. There, I received a referral to a pain psychologist and was prescribed nortriptyline. I underwent a nerve block procedure at the end of May, and it took about a week for noticeable pain alleviation. Physical therapy commenced in mid-June, but progress toward regaining my pre-accident strength has been discouragingly slow. Additionally, under the direction of pain management, I received two PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections—one at the end of June and another in late July. These injections resulted in bruising, tightness, and swelling that hindered my recovery process. Although I am continuing with physical therapy, gains in strength and stamina remain minimal. My physical therapist is contemplating a referral to an orthopedic specialist focusing on upper body injuries. Personal Impacts: I am a parent to two young children, and this injury has significantly limited my ability to engage with them as I used to. Routine yard work and similar activities have become tasks I now avoid to prevent exacerbating my condition. I have a history of various sports-related injuries and surgeries (including ankle, knee, shoulder, and nerve entrapment), yet none have resulted in such a protracted recovery. Inquiry: Given my lack of significant improvement, I am questioning whether additional diagnostic evaluations could be warranted. I am also curious if there are hidden complications from the blunt chest trauma that may have been overlooked. Are there specific specialists I should consider consulting for further evaluation? Thank you for any insights and guidance you can provide.
Experiencing Mild Perihilar Pulmonary Congestion?
Greetings, everyone. I am a 27-year-old man who neither smokes nor vapes, and my only regular medication is low-dose naltrexone (LDN). Recently, I completed a five-day round of antibiotics and am due to start a five-day regimen of prednisone at a dosage of 20 mg, although I haven’t begun that treatment yet. My health background includes persistent issues related to long COVID and heart troubles, specifically myopericarditis, which I faced three years ago. In addition, I've dealt with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), enduring various fluctuations in my symptoms. Thankfully, I have reached a point where I'm able to take regular walks and pursue nursing school full-time. A few months back, I experienced pneumonia and suffered from shortness of breath until an emergency room visit led to a diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics; my doctor suggested it might have been lingering effects of the pneumonia that required attention. After the treatment, my condition improved, but four weeks ago, I began experiencing unusual shortness of breath that occurs when I lie down, persisting throughout the day. Following another visit to the ER, various heart tests and an X-ray were conducted, both of which indicated that everything appeared normal. During a subsequent doctor's appointment, I reviewed the X-ray results that stated my lungs were clear, with no signs of pleural effusion and a normal cardiomediastinal silhouette. However, they noted mild peripheral pulmonary congestion. This has caused me a considerable amount of distress, as I am worried that it might relate to heart issues, potentially indicating pulmonary edema. After completing the five-day antibiotic course, I felt slightly better, went for a lengthy day at SeaWorld, and even returned to the gym for a light walk on the treadmill, but shortly after, the symptoms resurfaced. I have the prednisone on hand for my treatment. Now I find myself anxious about whether this could be a heart-related issue or if it’s purely a lung problem. I’m overwhelmed with worry regarding this situation! Am I overthinking things? Has anyone else faced a similar experience?
Struggling with Coughing After COVID?
I’m a 44-year-old woman who smokes and has type 2 diabetes, managed with metformin. Approximately ten days ago, I contracted COVID-19, initially presenting with a painful sore throat, fever, and cough. Although the fever and sore throat have subsided, I’m now experiencing persistent coughing fits that result in the production of thick, almost chunky phlegm, which is tinged with yellow and white. During these episodes, I feel dizzy, and my abdominal muscles ache from the relentless coughing. Furthermore, I haven’t smoked in the past six days, and for the last couple of days, I’ve noticed a complete loss of appetite. Is this likely to resolve on its own, or would it be wise to consult a healthcare provider?
Experiencing Pressure Around the Eyes and Forehead
For the past six months, I have been intermittently feeling a peculiar pressure located behind my eyes and along the bridge of my nose. While some may attribute this discomfort to sinus-related issues, I have explored various remedies aimed at relieving sinus pressure, and unfortunately, none have provided any relief. To give you a better understanding of my background: - Height: 157 cm - Weight: 53 kg - Gender: Female - Currently recovering from Atypical Anorexia - Previously experienced hypothalamic amenorrhea The sensation I’m facing is pressure rather than pain. It feels as if there’s a heavy weight pushing directly behind my eyes (not within the eyelids) or along my nose bridge, with occasional feelings of pressure in my forehead. At times, the intensity increases, bringing forth sensations akin to the onset of a headache at the back of my head, yet it never fully develops into one. This overwhelming feeling leads to a sense of overstimulation, making it hard for me to concentrate on tasks such as reading, writing, or even viewing videos online. I often feel a sense of restlessness, and I find that the only temporary relief comes from engaging in social media or indulging in unhealthy snacks, both of which I try to limit knowing they only serve as fleeting distractions. Falling asleep has become notably challenging since this pressure does not subside when my eyes are shut. Interestingly, caffeine seems to offer a brief respite, but it eventually exacerbates the issue. The pressure appears somewhat sporadically throughout the month, but I’ve observed that it intensifies during my luteal phase. While I sometimes experience it during ovulation, it tends to dissipate by my luteal phase and return once menstruation concludes. This observation is significant, as I have a history of not having periods, with six months of amenorrhea prior to regaining my cycle in January. However, it disappeared again in February due to resuming dieting too quickly. Strangely enough, this pressure also manifested in February and was far more intense than what I experience now. Since having my period return, the pressure remains, and I have begun taking magnesium supplements. While they appeared to help reduce stress and stabilize my heart rate variability (which was notably low), they did not alleviate the pressure at all. I have undergone blood tests to check for potential nutritional deficiencies as well as thyroid hormone levels. I am truly perplexed by this issue and am seeking any guidance or insights you might have regarding what could be causing these sensations. Thank you for your assistance.