Lung hyperinflation is chronic and excessive inflation or expansion of the lungs. This disease can be caused by excess carbon dioxide trapped in the lungs or a lack of elasticity of the lungs due to disease in these organs. In addition, any blockage in the bronchial tubes or alveoli, the tubes that carry air into the lung tissue, can cause lung hyperinflation. To diagnose lung hyperinflation, be aware of its causes and symptoms, and seek a professional diagnosis.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing Symptoms
Step 1. Watch for changes in breath
Is breathing in difficult or painful? Are you not getting oxygen when you breathe? These sensations don't necessarily mean you have lung hyperinflation 100%, but they are warning signs when experienced with other symptoms.
Step 2. Watch out for a chronic cough
Coughing is a common side effect of certain lung diseases and smoking. Lung hyperinflation can lead to a chronic cough and shortness of breath that interferes with normal daily functioning.
- If you have hyperinflation of the lungs, you will have difficulty walking uphill and cough easily. If you have a chronic cough that doesn't go away within two weeks, see your doctor immediately.
- Listen for a whistling sound as you inhale into your lungs. This can indicate reduced elasticity of the lungs, which is a symptom of lung hyperinflation.
Step 3. Watch for other body changes
Other body changes, when combined with the above symptoms, may indicate hyperinflation. Watch for the following symptoms:
- Diseases that often recur, such as bronchitis
- Weight loss
- Waking up at night
- Swelling in the ankles
- Fatigue
Part 2 of 3: Obtaining a Medical Diagnosis
Step 1. Let the doctor assess your medical history and perform a physical examination
The doctor will make a preliminary examination of your condition by gathering information about your past and present health. Significant factors that indicate lung hyperinflation are:
- Long family history of lung disease, such as lung cancer, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Current habits, such as excessive exercise or smoking.
- Living environment, for example, you live in a polluted area or with smokers.
- Active medical conditions such as asthma or mental health conditions such as chronic anxiety.
Step 2. Get a chest X-ray
A chest X-ray shows pictures of your lungs, airways, heart, blood vessels, and the bones of your chest and spine. A chest X-ray can be used to determine if the lungs are hyperinflationary.
- X-rays that show fluid and air around the lungs indicate an underlying cause, such as COPD or cancer. This can lead to hyperinflation of the lungs and the sooner a diagnosis is obtained, the better.
- Lung hyperinflation is evident when X-rays show that the front of the fifth or sixth rib meets the middle of the diaphragm. The diagnosis of hyperinflation is confirmed when more than six anterior ribs touch the diaphragm.
Step 3. Get a CT (computer tomography) scan
A CT scan is an imaging method that uses X-rays to create a three-dimensional picture of the patient's body. The resulting image displays the scope of lung damage and hyperinflation.
- A CT scan can show an increase in the size of the lungs and even show the presence of trapped air in one or both lungs. The trapped air will appear black on the X-ray screen.
- Special paints are sometimes used in CT scans to highlight the area exposed to X-rays. These are usually given by mouth, enema, or injection but chest-focused CT scans are rare. During the scan, you should wear a hospital gown and remove all objects, such as jewelry and glasses that will interfere with the scan.
- During a CT scan, you are required to lie down on a motorized table and your body will be inserted into a donut-like machine. A technologist will communicate with you from another room. He will ask you to hold your breath at certain times during the scan. This procedure is painless and usually lasts 30 minutes.
Step 4. Get a lung function test
A lung function test is a test that measures breathing capacity and overall lung function. To confirm the diagnosis of lung hyperinflation, two numerical values were assessed during lung function tests.
- FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second): This is the amount of air that can be blown out of the lungs during the first 1 second.
- FVC (Forced Vital Capacity): This number reflects the total amount of air that can be exhaled
- The normal result of the FEV1/FVC ratio should be more than 76%. Less than this indicates hyperinflation of the lungs because the patient cannot blow air as fast as a healthy person.
- During the test, your doctor will use medical instruments to measure your breath. While usually not painful, you can experience shortness of breath from rapid, forced breathing. Don't smoke four to six hours before the test and don't eat a big meal beforehand
Part 3 of 3: Assessing Risk
Step 1. Understand the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
COPD is caused by an obstruction in the lungs that interferes with airflow. COPD is usually treated by monitoring and controlling symptoms through a combination of medical assistance and lifestyle changes. Lung hyperinflation is often the result of COPD. If you were previously diagnosed with COPD, the risk of lung hyperinflation increases.
To treat COPD, your doctor will recommend lifestyle changes and prescribe medication. If you are a smoker, it is important that you quit. Aggravating COPD symptoms from neglecting to take medication or not quitting smoking increases the risk of lung hyperinflation
Step 2. Beware of the effects of asthma
Asthma is caused by inflammation of the airways. Depending on the severity of the asthma attack, the swelling can block the flow of air to the lungs. Over time, this can lead to hyperinflation of the lungs. Asthma treatment usually involves developing a treatment plan with your doctor about medications, lifestyle changes, and controlling asthma attacks when they occur. Talk to your doctor about asthma control to prevent hyperinflation of the lungs.
Step 3. Study the effects of cyst fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a chronic disease that affects multiple organs. This disease is hereditary and attacks the exocrine glands, characterized by the production of abnormal mucus that tends to be thicker and stickier than usual so that it can clog the airways. As with all airway obstructions, this disease increases the risk of hyperinflation of the lungs.
