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A member asked:
Is it possible to have mild emphysema but have a normal chest x-ray?
4 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
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.
Answered 10/2/2011
6.3k views
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.
Answered 11/10/2012
5.5k views
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.
Answered 1/4/2015
3.4k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
I got my chest x ray results and it says hyper expanded lungs probably due to emphysema. What is the best test to rule out COPD?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
What are the chances of having copd/emphysema with normal spirometry, and ok non hrct CT sscan did show lung cysts. I am concerned because of sob.?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
Ct show bullae both lung upper lobe.Fev1 96 fvc 102 fev1/fvc 96 tlc 108 dsbhb 75 dco 87 d/v asbhb 85.Normal bronchoscopy, is it emphysema which stage?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
What could cause emphysema -like changes on chest xray that isn't emphysema? 58 yr old never smoked
A doctor has provided 1 answer
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