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Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

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For the lungs.

Hello,

I'm having a rough time and have been seeing my doctor a lot in the past week. Need more advice.

About 3 weeks ago I threw out my lower back a bit. My doc did an adjustment and we waited.

A week later I went back and as he was adjusting I told him I get a flutter feeling in my chest. He sent me to a cardiac center for a halter monitor (48 hour EKG). No results yet.

The last day of the monitor my chest began to hurt a lot in front and back like a bronchial infection except no other symptoms of illness. Called my doctor and he brought me in for x-Ray. All clear.

He ruled out pretty much anything wrong with my lungs. I did a test where you blow in a tube to try to blow leaves off a tree. I was not so good at it. But I guess it was still normal range.

He sent me to outpatient ER for CT scan with contrast - the one that makes you feel like you're going to pee your pants.

No blood clots but they did find air trapping in my lungs. That was last Thursday.

I'm taking an inhaler (Advair) for this. Also on augmenting for urinary tract infection. I just finished a z-pack in case of infection. I regularly take lexapro for anxiety and have clonazapam when needed but currently out and wish I had it to try to relax.

Today some wicked heart burn started. It won't let up. Tried tums once. Tried drinking milk. My mother in law is a pharmacist and gave me a pill for heartburn but it works slowly.

My lungs continue to hurt a lot. Sometimes I hear crackling at the top of my chest.

I'm so freaked out that I'm going to die. I can't sleep. My dad has idiopathic pulminary fibrosis and I'm scared I'm on the same path!

I do smoke but have decreased from about 10-15 cigarettes in a day to 3-5. Working on quitting all together.

I'm a 35 year old female with a husband and daughter. I don't want to die. What do I do?

Should I be in the hospital for this?

Denise

Category: Pulmonologist

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Category: Allergy and Immunologist
 21 Doctors Online

Dear patient,
Regards from doctor spring.
I have gone through your case and understand your concern.
You have no signs of infection, no fever, cough or sputum, an extra dose of antibiotic has left you with gastritis.
Smoking a cigar / day is dangerous and it does not make a difference if you have cut down on the numbers. Hence kindly try to quit smoking.
The CT showed some air trapping, which means a disease of the small airways. This should benefit from salmetrol/fluticasone that you are already on, and also from smoking cessation.
I do not find any symptoms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in what you have mentioned, and hence for the time being you can keep those thoughts away from mind.
With a normal ecg, holter and x ray, mild abnormal CT, there is no imminent danger of any sorts.
I would recommend continuation of clonazepam to manage the panic episodes, however I also recommend to be under a follow up with your family GP for the same.
Similarly for heart burn, avoid unnecessary antibiotics and take the OTC tab Prilosec once a day, half an hour before a meal for 5 days.
Wishing you good health
Dr.Jacob George P
MD, FCCP



Dr. Jacob George Pulinilkunnathil
Category: Allergy and Immunologist
Experience: 
Residency, Post Graduation: MD, Respiratory Medicine, J L N Medical College, Ajmer, Rajasthan (2012).
Medical School, Internship: MBBS, Government Medical College, Kottayam, 2001-07 
Indian Diploma in Critical Care Medicine (IDCCM) - Medical Trust Hospital, 2013-2014.
Dr. Jacob George Pulinilkunnathil and 4 other Medical Specialists are ready to help you

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