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Can A Lung Biopsy Test Help In Detecting Severe Progressive Lung Disease?
Question: I am a 74 year old male who works out vigorously at th gym 3-4,times a week and still competes in XXXXXXX athletic events (mainly swimming). After working in a histology lab, 20'plus years ago, I developed a mild, often productive cough, that became chronic. Two years ago I was diagnosed with "mild chronic sub pleural reticular interstitial lung disease;" High resolution CT revealed interstitial lung disease nonspecific in appearance and most consistent with NSIP. I had a close friend who died with pulmonary fibrosis; it was a terrible demise. It worries me that no truly definitive diagnosis of my condition cannot be made without a lung biopsy, but my pulmonologist strongly discourages this procedure. My lung function studies and spirometry have been been remarkably good. Should I seek a second opinion? I really want to know what's going on!
Brief Answer:
No need for lung Biopsy as your lung functions are good.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
First of all no need to worry much about death or severe progressive lung disease.
I also don't suggest lung Biopsy in your case.
You are having good spirometry and lung function reports.
So nothing to worry about this.
No need for second opinion as far as I think.
But if you want to confirm all these, lung Biopsy is must.
Please let me know
1. Do you smoke?
Please reply me answer of above asked question, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
No need for lung Biopsy as your lung functions are good.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
First of all no need to worry much about death or severe progressive lung disease.
I also don't suggest lung Biopsy in your case.
You are having good spirometry and lung function reports.
So nothing to worry about this.
No need for second opinion as far as I think.
But if you want to confirm all these, lung Biopsy is must.
Please let me know
1. Do you smoke?
Please reply me answer of above asked question, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have never been a smoker, but my first wife of 34 years smoked about a pack a day until her death with breast cancer. I'm sure that I inhaled some amount of second-hand smoke during the time we were together. I think I am predisposed to LRTIs (usually have one or two each year). I have current pneumococcal and also Prevnar-13 vaccinations. Are there any other proactive steps I should take to optimize pulmonary function and health?
Brief Answer:
Chest physiotherapy and deep breathing exercises are also good
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
It's good that you are not smoking.
You should do chest physiotherapy and deep breathing exercises to improve lung functions.
Take multivitamin tablet daily for good immunity.
Avoid unnecessary hospital visits and wear face mask whenever you have to visit hospital.
Take antioxidants like N acetyl cysteine (NAC) and picnogenol (pine bark extract). These are also useful in maintaining good lung immunity.
Hope I have solved your query. If you are not having further queries, then please close the conversation and rate my answer.
You can ask me directly on bit.ly/askdrkaushalbhavsar. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Chest physiotherapy and deep breathing exercises are also good
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
It's good that you are not smoking.
You should do chest physiotherapy and deep breathing exercises to improve lung functions.
Take multivitamin tablet daily for good immunity.
Avoid unnecessary hospital visits and wear face mask whenever you have to visit hospital.
Take antioxidants like N acetyl cysteine (NAC) and picnogenol (pine bark extract). These are also useful in maintaining good lung immunity.
Hope I have solved your query. If you are not having further queries, then please close the conversation and rate my answer.
You can ask me directly on bit.ly/askdrkaushalbhavsar. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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