Finally identified my long-term illness (Bronchiectasis), thanks to Dr Google :)

[PPMMUU]

Pulmonary function tests aren’t the same as tests for gas exchange and don’t really measure how well oxygen and carbon dioxide move at the alveolar level. Instead, they look at how air flows in and out of your lung, how fast it goes in, how much air you can take in, and how quickly you can blow it out.

 

In bronchiectasis, the bronchial walls are damaged, especially the elastic and muscular parts, so they can’t keep their normal shape. That makes it harder to breathe out forcefully, which shows up in the test results.

 

Glad to hear you’re happy at the beach. Being by the sea can actually feel great for people with chronic lung issues, whatever it is.

[Lorry]

2 hours ago, simon43 said:

why would bronchiectasis produce an abnormal lung function result? The function of exchange of gases in my alveoli should not be affected by this illness.

That the exchange of gases works is measured by the diffusion capacity.

But the mucus will obstruct the bronchi, so one would expect signs of obstruction.

(Furthermore, non-CF bronchiectasis is often caused by COPD - and you don't have CF, you would be dead already)

Later,  the chronic inflammation leads to fibrosis, so one expects signs of restriction (the lungs are not that elastic anymore) and impaired exchange of gases.

 

Pulmonary function tests can be helpful for documenting baseline function and for monitoring disease progression. Bronchiectasis causes airflow limitation (reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] with reduction in the FEV1/FVC ratio); the FEV1 may improve in response to beta-agonist bronchodilators. In more advanced cases, progressive fibrosis may result in decreases in forced vital capacity (FVC), evidence of a restrictive defect on lung volume measurements, and a decreased diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO).

 

BTW I  looked what Google (specifically Wikipedia) says about bronchiectasis, and I wouldn't think it's that clear-cut if I read that.

It says clubbing is a rare symptom - and when you look up clubbing,  they give you 20 conditions that can cause it.

 

Anyway, your therapeutic consequences (NAC, clean air, etc) are certainly good.

Don't forget vaccinations against pneumococcus (once) and influenza (every year).

(A CT scan would tell you if you really have bronchiectasis, but even if you don't, these are good therapeutic measures)

 

PS I just see @PPMMUU was faster