Is it possible to have mild emphysema with a normal chest x-ray?

Yes: It is common for patients with mild emphysema to have a normal chest x-ray. A more sensitive exam is to perform pulmonary function tests.

Yes: Emphysema can occur with a normal chest xray. Mild changes may only be visible with ct scan, however the underlying physiologic abnormality with emphysema or COPD is diagnosed with pulmonary function tests which measure lung function and involve breathing into a device which can measure aspects while breathing.

Yes...: You may have a normal x-ray as well as physical exam in copd. You may have no symptoms. Pulmonary function testing will reveal the chronic airway obstruction. Once present, it is imperative that you quit smoking to decrease airway inflammation.

Yes: In the case of mild emphysema pulmonary function testing by pulmonologist ( physician trained in respiratory diseases) would be more sensitive for these changes in respiratory function.

Yes: A chest radiograph/xray can be normal early in copd. Other tests such as a breathing test called pulmonary function (pfts) and a chest scan called a ct (computerized tomography) may be more sensitive at detecting early copd.

Absolutely: Emphysema is really a diagnosis that can be seen on cat scan of the chest or on a microscope slide. It is totally normal to have mild emphysema and have a normal chest xray. Even people with severe emphysema can sometimes have normal chest xrays.

Yes: In the case of mild emphysema pulmonary function testing by pulmonologist ( physician trained in respiratory diseases) would be more sensitive for these changes in respiratory function.