|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| |
|
Headlines:
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Doctors Lounge - Chest Answers
"The information provided
on www.doctorslounge.com is designed to support, not replace, the
relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her
physician."
Back to Chest Answers List
| lily278
- Mon Apr 13, 2009 12:55 am |
|
I am 24 years old, and I was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome when I was pretty young. I visited my cardiologist recently, and he did some tests. He did the ECG and everything was fine. I have a bit of a bent spine, but the doc said it's minor.
The problem came up when he tested my lungs. He told me that my lungs were only working as one lung. This sounds serious but I don't know what to do.
I would appreciate any help.
|
| John Kenyon, CNA
- Sat Apr 25, 2009 10:27 pm |
|
 Hi there --
This is an odd observation by your doctor and I would think he'd have been more specific as to his meaning and the possible cause. I can make a couple guesses, however you really need to follow up with him and request a more thorough explanation.
One reason this may be happening is that many people with Marfan's simply have, due to structural abnormalities, less vital capacity (lung filling capacity) than others. However, if this were the case you should have noticed some compromise, so that doesn't seem to be the likely answer. Another possibility would be a pneumothorax (collapsed lung), which would of course yield this finding, but would likely also be accompanied by some discomfort or pain, shortness of breath, exercsise intolerance, etc. I can't imagine this not being explored and explained. I have to assume your doctor gave you some sort of pulmonary function test, and if so perhaps you know the numerical results? Also you could get your hands on an Asthma Check device, a cheap little plastic airflow device that pretty accurately show what your lung capacity is (you should be able to blow at least a 350 on one of these, which would be an adequate two-lung-power reading). Perhaps your doctor would be willing to give you one of these, since he seems to think you're running at 1/2 capacity but has no interest in taking any action or explaining such a weird finding. If not they can be purchased in some drugstores and on line for less than $20.00.
I hope this is helpful to you. Please follow up with us here as needed. Good luck to you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Are you a Doctor, Pharmacist, PA or a Nurse?
Join the Doctors Lounge online medical community
-
Editorial activities: Publish, peer review, edit online articles.
-
Ask a Doctor Teams: Respond to patient questions and discuss challenging presentations with other members.
Doctors Lounge Membership
Application |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
