I recently had a PFT done and found out that my total lung capacity is only 64% and my lung age is 66 years. I am a 23 year old female who rarely ever smokes. I have also been experiencing lung tightness, shortness of breath, which is sometimes when bad associated with a cough and inability to talk well to others. Could this indeed be asthma as pulmonologist stated was possible? Though he did say he didnt think it was likely in my case.
Yes, It could be possible that because of all this symptoms like chest tightness, SOB,cough might reduce our total lung capacity when the person has chronic breathing difficulty. You must start regular treatment with bronchodilators. You may also require inhalation steroids, beta agonists, anticholinergics as MDI or rota haler as a regular treatment. To decrease the inflammation of bronchi and bronchioles, you might be given oral antihistamines with mast cell stabilizers(montelukast) and steroids (prednisolone) with nebulization and frequently steam inhalation. Your pulmonologist is absolutely right.