COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
I have been told that I have mild panlobular emphysema, but I have never smoked. I had the test done for the AAT deficiency, but that came back negative. I am at a loss of how I got emphysema. Anyone else in the same situation?
My doctor wants me to try verapamil to bring it down, I have been allergic to all other BP meds so far, and I read it could have a lot of pulmonary side effects. Has anyone else used varapimil?
I had some bad reactions to BP med also, an ARB (like an ace but no cough) finally worked for me.
the verapamil is a calcium channel blocker & i think a few of our members take that "type" of BP med.
my prayers are with you that this works.
BTW; you said you have had a HRCT didn't you? (I forget easy)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-resolution_computed_tomography
HRCT is best for dx'ing copd & interstitial diseases, but CT is better if looking for cancer....
So if your PCP was looking "broad" he may have done a CT, but when you go to your Pulm, he may want an HRCT to get a closer/better look.
I was dx'd with copd in 2010, but found out i had PF/ILD in 2012 when they finally did a HRCT on me.
With your description of illnesses you have had, GERD/acid reflux, high BP & exposures are common causes/results of PF/ ILD's, they are also more common in the lower lobes i think ( like the panlobular emphy