Being breathless doesn’t always mean it’s asthma or COPD Differential Diagnosis Flashcard...between air sacs and capillaries • Stubborn productive cough • Wheezing • Shortness
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Being breathless doesn’t always mean it’s asthma or COPDIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a difficult disease to identify. About 50% of IPF cases are misdiagnosed.
• Stubborn dry cough • Shortness of breath with everyday activities • Fatigue/weakness • Loss of appetite • Unexplained weight loss
A breathing test called spirometry, X-ray or CT scan, and the sound
of your breathing (wheezing)How is it diagnosed?
Spirometry test, high-resolution CT scan, and the sound of your breathing (Velcro crackling) when your doctor listens to your chest
In IPF, inflammation and scarring
surround the air sacs
In COPD, air sacs are enlarged and weakened, with damaged walls and excess mucus
CT=computed tomography; FEV1=forced expiratory volume in 1 second; FVC=forced vital capacity.Brands mentioned are trademarks of their respective owners. If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor
Ask your doctor if what you’re feeling could be IPF.