Chronic asthma - clear x-rays ? - Asthma Message Board

kiera01 · 10-04-2008, 12:25 PM

I have to ask this question - can certain forms of asthma be psychosomatic or stress related?

Is there anyone else here who has chronic asthma symptoms, who uses heavy medication on a daily basis and yet has had totally clear chest and lung x-rays?

If not stress related, and not showing up on chest x-rays, then what possible alternate cause could there be?

Please advise as i am totally befuddled!

gcsjr · 10-04-2008, 03:49 PM

Asthma doesn't usually show up on x-rays so what your describing sounds very normal for someone with asthma.

Pulmonologists typically take an x-ray of asthma patients every couple of years to rule out any potential complications but asthma doesn't show up on x-rays (they're not sensitive enough to show inflammation in the airways).

The diagnostic test for confirming asthma is usually a pulmonary function test and, in some cases, a methacholine challenge, but x-rays really aren't helpful in diagnosing asthma.

Titchou · 10-04-2008, 06:08 PM

Excellent response. People with asthma don't always have fluid in/on the lungs so an x ray would be of no use.

DevourU · 10-14-2008, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titchou

Excellent response. People with asthma don't always have fluid in/on the lungs so an x ray would be of no use.

I am in the same boat, and the posting on x-ray's is a given and no help. The question is that everything points to asthma, but drugs and testing are not helping. I have the same problem. 3 doctors, several tests, probably every asthma drug out there, and I am 24/7 with labored breathing/wheezing/coughing. With this as a baseline, doesn't take much for an attack.

-JS

gcsjr · 10-14-2008, 01:10 PM

Devour:

Have they considered LPR (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux) or acid reflux as the cause of your asthma symptoms. LPR can cause asthma flare ups, and even asthma-like symptoms in people who don't have asthma, by irritating the lining of the bronchi and esophagus. It often doesn't respond to typical asthma treatment and some people with LPR have no typical symptoms of acid reflux (i.e. heartburn, etc.).

For people who struggle with acid-reflux induced asthma, getting the reflux under control can cause their symptoms to clear up dramatically.