X
This article was co-authored by Ni-Cheng Liang, MD. Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang is a board certified Pulmonologist and the Director of Pulmonary Integrative Medicine at Coastal Pulmonary Associates affiliated with the Scripps Health Network in San Diego, California. She also serves as a Voluntary Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine while volunteering for the UCSD Medical Student-Run Free Clinic for uninsured patients. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Liang specializes in pulmonary and respiratory medical concerns, mindfulness teaching, physician wellness, and integrative medicine. Dr. Liang received her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Liang was voted as a San Diego Top Doctor in 2017 and 2019. She was also awarded the 2019 American Lung Association San Diego Lung Health Provider of the Year.
There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
How.com.vn marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.
This article has been viewed 123,464 times.
Lung hyperinflation is the chronic and excessive inflation or expansion of the lungs. It can result from excess carbon dioxide being trapped in the lung or a lack of lung elasticity due to pulmonary illness. Additionally, any obstruction within the bronchial tubes or alveoli, the channels that transport air into the lung tissue, can cause hyperinflated lungs. To diagnose lung hyperinflation, be aware of its causes and symptoms, and seek a professional diagnosis.
Steps
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:
Recognizing the Symptoms
Pay attention to changes in breathing. Does taking a breath feel difficult or painful? Do you feel that, when breathing, you are not getting enough oxygen? These sensations are not a guarantee of lung hyperinflation. They are, however, warning signs when experienced with other symptoms.[1]
Be wary of a chronic cough. Coughing is a common side-effect of certain pulmonary illnesses as well as smoking. Lung hyperinflation leads to a chronic, wheezing cough that interrupts normal daily functions.- If you have hyper-inflated lungs, you may have difficulty walking up hills and succumb to coughing easily. If you have a chronic cough that does not go away for two weeks, you should see a doctor for a diagnosis.[2]
- Listen for a whistling sound when air is drawn into the lung. This can indicate reduced elasticity of the lung, a symptom of lung hyperinflation.[3]
Watch for other changes in the body. Other changes in the body, when combined with the above symptoms, may point to lung hyperinflation. Watch for the following symptoms: [4]- Frequent bouts of sicknesses like bronchitis
- Weight loss
- Waking up at night
- Swollen ankles
- Fatigue
Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:
Getting a Medical Diagnosis
Let a doctor assess your medical history and conduct a physical examination. Your doctor will make an initial assessment of your condition by gathering information about your past and present health history. Significant factors that can indicate lung hyperinflation are:- A family history of lung conditions, like lung cancer, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Present habits, like vigorous exercise or smoking
- Living environment, such as living in a polluted city or with a smoker
- Active medical conditions like asthma or mental health conditions like chronic anxiety[5]
Get chest x-rays. A chest x-ray generates an image of the lungs, air passages, the heart, blood vessels, and the bones of your chest and spine. A chest x-ray can be used to gauge whether lungs are hyperinflated.[6]- An x-ray can show fluid and air around the lungs, signifying an underlying problem like COPD or cancer. This can be the cause of lung hyperinflation and the sooner you get the disease diagnosed the better.[7]
- Lung hyperinflation is present when the x-ray shows the front of the fifth or sixth rib meeting the middle of your diaphragm. More than six front ribs touching your diaphragm is consistent with hyperinflation.[8]
Get a computer tomography (CT) scan. CT scans are an imaging method that uses x-rays to produce a three-dimensional representation of the body. The pictures generated by the machine illustrate the scope of lung damage and hyperinflation.[9]- A CT scan can show an increase in lung size and may even show air trapped in one or both lungs. Trapped air usually appears as black on an x-ray screen.
- A special dye is sometimes used in CT scans to highlight the areas x-rayed. This is usually given by mouth, by enema, or by injection but is fairly rare for a CT scan focusing on the chest. During the scan, you'll have to wear a hospital gown and remove any items, like jewelry and eyeglasses, that may interfere with the scan.[10]
- During a CT scan, you'll lie on a motorized table and your body will be inserted into a donut-shaped machine. A technologist will communicate with you from another room. He or she may ask you to hold your breath at certain points during the scan. The procedure is painless and usually takes around 30 minutes.[11]
Have pulmonary function tests done. Pulmonary function tests are tests that measure breathing capacity and overall pulmonary function.[12][13]To confirm a diagnosis of lung hyperinflation, two numerical values are assessed during a pulmonary function test.- FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second): This is the amount of air that can be blown out of your lungs in the first 1 second.
- FVC (Forced Vital Capacity): This reflect the total amount of air that you can exhale.
- The normal results of FEV1/FVC ratio should be more than 70 percent. Less than this percentage may indicate an increased risk for lung hyperinflation, since a patient with this condition cannot blow air out as fast as a healthy person does.
- During the test, a doctor will use medical instruments to measure your breath. While usually painless, you may experience some shortness of breath as it involves forced, rapid breathing. Do not smoke four to six hours before the test and do not eat a heavy meal beforehand.[14]
Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:
Assessing Your Risk
Understand the effect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is present when there is an obstruction in your lungs that disrupts airflow. COPD is usually treated by monitoring and controlling symptoms through a combination of medical assistance and lifestyle changes. Hyperinflation of the lungs is frequently caused by COPD. If you've previously been diagnosed with COPD, this could increase your risk for lung hyperinflation.[15]- To treat COPD, your doctor will recommend a combination of lifestyle changes and prescription medications. If you are a smoker, it's important you quit. Making symptoms of COPD worse by neglecting medication or continuing to smoke can increase your risk of lung hyperinflation.[16]
Be aware of the effect of asthma. Asthma is caused by inflammation of the airways. Depending on the severity of an asthma attack, swelling can disrupt air flow to the lungs. Over time, this can result in lung hyperinflation. Treatment of asthma usually involves building an action plan with your doctor about medication, lifestyle changes, and how to manage asthma attacks when they occur. Talk to your doctor about better managing your asthma as to avoid lung hyperinflation.[17]
Learn the effect of cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a chronic disease that may affect several organs and systems in your body. It is an inherited disorder of the exocrine gland, characterized by an abnormal production of mucus that tends to be much thicker and stickier than usual, which can plug your airways. As with anything that blocks airways, cystic fibrosis can lead to lung hyperinflation. If you have cystic fibrosis, you are at an increased risk of lung hyperinflation.[18]Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search
- QuestionWhat tests will my doctor perform when looking for IPF?
Ni-Cheng Liang, MDDr. Ni-Cheng Liang is a board certified Pulmonologist and the Director of Pulmonary Integrative Medicine at Coastal Pulmonary Associates affiliated with the Scripps Health Network in San Diego, California. She also serves as a Voluntary Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine while volunteering for the UCSD Medical Student-Run Free Clinic for uninsured patients. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Liang specializes in pulmonary and respiratory medical concerns, mindfulness teaching, physician wellness, and integrative medicine. Dr. Liang received her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Liang was voted as a San Diego Top Doctor in 2017 and 2019. She was also awarded the 2019 American Lung Association San Diego Lung Health Provider of the Year.
Board Certified PulmonologistYour doctor will likely do chest imaging and give you breathing tests to evaluate your lung function. They'll also ask you if you've been exposed to anything that may have affected your lungs. - QuestionWhat tests will the doctor do for shortness of breath and cough?Ni-Cheng Liang, MDDr. Ni-Cheng Liang is a board certified Pulmonologist and the Director of Pulmonary Integrative Medicine at Coastal Pulmonary Associates affiliated with the Scripps Health Network in San Diego, California. She also serves as a Voluntary Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine while volunteering for the UCSD Medical Student-Run Free Clinic for uninsured patients. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Liang specializes in pulmonary and respiratory medical concerns, mindfulness teaching, physician wellness, and integrative medicine. Dr. Liang received her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Liang was voted as a San Diego Top Doctor in 2017 and 2019. She was also awarded the 2019 American Lung Association San Diego Lung Health Provider of the Year.
Board Certified PulmonologistYour doctor may perform a chest x-ray or get other chest imaging to take a look at your lungs. They may also give you a pulmonary function test to test your breathing ability. - QuestionI had acute maxillary sinusitis that required antibiotics and another strong medication to treat. An x-ray of my chest shows that my lungs are over inflated. Could this be causing my upper back pain?
Daniel Wozniczka, MD, MPHDr. Wozniczka is an Internal Medicine Physician, who is focused on the intersection of medicine, economics, and policy. He has global healthcare experience in Sub Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. He serves currently as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Public Health Service and a Medical Officer for the Epidemic Intelligence Service in the CDC. He completed his MD at Jagiellonian University in 2014, and also holds an MBA and Masters in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Internal Medicine PhysicianLung hyperinflation does not usually cause back pain. Your question can only be answered by a review of past medical history and a physical exam. Please speak to your primary care physician.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
SubmitAdvertisement
References
- ↑ http://err.ersjournals.com/content/errev/15/100/61.full.pdf
- ↑ http://patient.info/doctor/diagnosing-copd
- ↑ http://patient.info/doctor/diagnosing-copd
- ↑ http://patient.info/doctor/diagnosing-copd
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3229853/
- ↑ Ni-Cheng Liang, MD. Board Certified Pulmonologist. Expert Interview. 18 June 2021.
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/emphysema/expert-answers/hyperinflated-lungs/faq-20058169
- ↑ http://www.patient.info/doctor/Chest-Film-(CXR)-Systematic-Approach.htm
- ↑ Ni-Cheng Liang, MD. Board Certified Pulmonologist. Expert Interview. 18 June 2021.
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ct-scan/basics/how-you-prepare/prc-20014610
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ct-scan/basics/how-you-prepare/prc-20014610
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003853.htm
- ↑ Ni-Cheng Liang, MD. Board Certified Pulmonologist. Expert Interview. 18 June 2021.
- ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003853.htm
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/basics/definition/con-20032017
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/basics/treatment/con-20032017
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/basics/treatment/con-20026992
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cystic-fibrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353700
About this article
Ni-Cheng Liang, MD
Board Certified Pulmonologist
This article was co-authored by Ni-Cheng Liang, MD. Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang is a board certified Pulmonologist and the Director of Pulmonary Integrative Medicine at Coastal Pulmonary Associates affiliated with the Scripps Health Network in San Diego, California. She also serves as a Voluntary Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine while volunteering for the UCSD Medical Student-Run Free Clinic for uninsured patients. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Liang specializes in pulmonary and respiratory medical concerns, mindfulness teaching, physician wellness, and integrative medicine. Dr. Liang received her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Liang was voted as a San Diego Top Doctor in 2017 and 2019. She was also awarded the 2019 American Lung Association San Diego Lung Health Provider of the Year. This article has been viewed 123,464 times.
Co-authors: 9
Updated: October 21, 2021
Views: 123,464
Article SummaryX
If you think you have lung hyperinflation, pay attention to your breathing and notice if it is difficult or painful. Do you feel like you’re not getting enough oxygen when you inhale? These symptoms aren’t exclusive to lung hyperinflation, but can be warning signs when combined with other symptoms, like a chronic, wheezing cough. Listen when you breathe in for a whistling sound, since this is a sign of reduced elasticity in your lungs. Your body might experience some other changes beyond the lungs, so watch for frequent bronchitis, weight loss, trouble sleeping, swollen ankles, and general fatigue. For more help from our Medical co-author, like how to assess your risk for lung hyperinflation, scroll down.
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 123,464 times.
Reader Success Stories
"Very helpful article. I'm a COPD patient and this article clearly informed me about COPD and the risk of hyperinflation lung. Some 6 months ago, I quit tiotropium and then incurred mild hyperinflation of the lungs. My doctor then advised me to never quit tiotropium."..." more
Did this article help you?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.
Advertisement
