What is meant by hyperinflation in chest?
Patient: Hi, My husband was a first responder an 9/11 at the world trade center and has been monitored by Mount Sinai every 6 months. He went for his physical the other day and today we received a notice that he has hyperinflation in his chest xray and needs to follow up with his primary dr. What is hyperinflation and is something to be very concerned about? Doctor: Thanks for your question on HCM.I can understand your situation and problem.Hyperinflation in chest is seen in following conditions.1. In normal person if chest x ray is taken after full inspiration.2. In smokers due to COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)3. Age related.4. In asthma.And this should be confirmed by CT thorax and PFT (pulmonary function test).The above are possible causes.So if your husband Ia symptomatic with shortness of breath and coughing than better to consult pulmonologist and rule out above causes.If he is asymptotic than no need to worry much.If smoker than ask him to quit smoking as soon as possible.