Thank you for your query at DoctorSpring.com.
Dear patient,
I understand your concern and will do my best to help you.
Can you please explain why your primary had to make a diagnosis of Emphysema?
Can you also describe your shortness of breath? Like how often and when do you get it, aggravating and relieving factors?
You don't seem to have other symptoms of Emphysema, though you have a smoking history.
Were your blood counts normal? What about ESR?
I'd appreciate if you could send me your blood reports for a verification. Please do upload the reports of all the tests you have done so far, including the CAT scans.
Your symptoms are non specific, and at present not fitting into any solid diagnosis of a lung disease.
Also I presume the CAT scan which was done recently did not reveal anything else of great significance.
When was the time you attained menopause? Hot flushes of estrogen deficiency can present like this.
Another possibility is lack of proper ventilation in your room. Its called sick building syndrome. A proper cleaning of room from any moulds, allowing proper air transfer by cross ventilation with adequate air supply and vacuuming of floor, carpet, curtains will do.
Try some aerobics,especially in early morning. They will help to breath more fresh air and keep you refreshed and happy.
Antidepressants have a nerve stimulating action at doses lower than whats used for antidepressant action. If your doctor has prescribed them to you, it would be best to take them and see for improvements instead of being prejudiced.
I hope this was helpful. Please reply to the above questions and upload your test results in the follow-up.
Feel free to discuss further.
Wishing you good health,
Dr. Jacob George,
MD, FCCP, IDCCM.