Your Chest X-Ray Is Normal but You’re Still Breathless — What I Check Next
You feel short of breath, but your chest X-ray report says normal. Does that mean your lungs are completely fine? Not necessarily. A normal chest X-ray is reassuring, but it does not rule out every cause of breathlessness. Conditions such as asthma, early airway disease, pulmonary hypertension, heart problems, anaemia and even some blood clots may not be obvious on …
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Chest Infections Keep Coming Back? Here’s What Your Lungs May Be Telling You
A chest infection once in a while is common, especially during seasonal changes or after a viral illness. But if you seem to recover only for the cough, mucus, fever or breathing difficulty to return again, your lungs may need a closer evaluation. Repeated chest infections can sometimes indicate an underlying respiratory problem rather than a series of unrelated infections. …
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What Patients Often Get Wrong About COPD, According to a Pulmonologist
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is often misunderstood. Many patients assume that breathlessness is simply a part of ageing, that inhalers are addictive, or that nothing can be done once the lungs are damaged. As a pulmonologist, it is important to clarify these misconceptions because early diagnosis and appropriate COPD management can help control symptoms, reduce flare-ups and improve quality …
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Wheezing While Breathing: What Does It Mean?
Have you ever noticed a whistling or high-pitched sound while breathing? This is known as wheezing. It usually occurs when air moves through narrowed or inflamed airways. While occasional wheezing can happen during a cold or respiratory infection, recurrent or unexplained wheezing should not be ignored. What Is Wheezing? Wheezing is a high-pitched sound produced when airflow through the airways …
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Why Early COPD Diagnosis Can Change a Patient’s Quality of Life
Breathlessness while climbing stairs, a persistent cough or repeated chest infections may appear to be minor problems. However, these can sometimes be early signs of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, commonly known as COPD. COPD is a progressive lung condition in which airflow becomes restricted, making breathing increasingly difficult. Although existing lung damage may not be completely reversible, identifying COPD early …
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