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What medical terms might my doctor use that relates to emphysema?

I am going to the doctor because I have been having a difficult time breathing and I think that I might have emphysema because my brother has it and he says it sounds like I may have it also. I would like to know what medical terms my doctor might uses that relates to emphysema and what type of question will he ask me.

Public Comments

1. He will ask you if you are a smoker and he will order lung and chest e-rays. You may have a MRI or Cat Scan. You will fill out a lengthy health questionaire. Don't forget...you can ask him questions also.
2. Just because you have difficult time breathing, doesn't always mean emphysema. Other conditions besides emphysema that cause difficulty in breathing could be early stage (or any stage) of lung cancer, COPD chronic obstructed pulmonary disease (i think that's the correct name), asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia. The doctor may ask if you smoke, if you used to smoke and quit, or if anyone else around you smokes, or if you are exposed to irritants that could cause you to have difficulty breathing, such as chemical fumes and strong odors. In some cases, difficulty breathing is a result of an allergic reation to an allergen, what are you allergic to? If it is indeed emphysema, make sure you let your doctor know how often you are having difficulty breathing, and what activities do you do that make you feel short of breath. Sometimes if you have trouble breathing throughout the day, you may be having trouble breathing at night as well. This can cause you to actually stop breathing while you sleep, and you wouldn't even know it. This is called sleep apnea, and very dangerous. ..If this is the case, talk to your doctor about getting a portable oxygen tank, a sleep ap(sp?), or a compressor for your home. Good luck, and I hope your health gets better.