Pulmonary Function Test

[butt-eze]

Every 3 months I have to have a Pulmonary Funciton Test (PFT) because I developed BOOP in July 2006.

My Lung function finally fell within the normal range about 3-4 months ago. My GI doctor mentioned that if sufferers of Crohn's could all get a PFT that it would likely show that most people with Crohn's would have a lowered Lung Function. The point being that Crohn's encompasses more than just your mouth to anus. My doctors believe that my lung disease was caused by Crohn's or Remicade (long story).

My question is...has anyone else with Crohn's had a PFT? If so, why? What were your results?

 

[soupdragon69]

Hi Butt-eze,

Yes is my answer to you! I am a brittle/unstable asthmatic and they have now realised the cycle of inflammation with me means that my chest can trigger my gut and skin and visa versa.

I end up on steroids for all conditions and hate it!

On another thought I spoke to a colleague at work who specialises in chest problems and he said there is a clear link between crohns and lung problems but they dont know why. He said it made sense that my chest triggered my guts and visa versa.

My asthma cons is an allergist and liases with my derms and gastro cons for treating me. They have realised I now have massive food intolerance problems and feel alot of my skin, chest and gut issues are food related so the dietetic team are working out what I CAN eat now out of a list of do's and don'ts if that makes sense?

My normal lung function is higher than normal which they think is because I used to swim distance and sing alot. So it took them a while to believe me as every time I was in clinic my GP had sorted me out yet again and I appeared "ok" to them! The way my diagnosis was confirmed on a chest front was by having a bronchial histamine challenge where I inhaled histamine under strict lab conditions and had a massive asthma attack lol Funnily enough they believed me then!

Would be interested to see if anyone else has breathing aspects too as you say.

 

[butt-eze]

It's good to finally hear that I'm not alone in this boat (of course, I don't wish it for you!) I don't actually have asthma. I do take asmanex but I was told it was maintenance medication.
I too used to be a distance swimmer (well, 500 Free might be considered middle) and that is why I struggle so much with this disease. I am so overweight, out of shape, and "weak" now.
That histamine test sounds a little crazy! I'm hoping that's the last time you need to endure that.
Please share the DO's and DON'T list when you get it. Did you do an allergy test?
Jan, what medications are you on?

 

[soupdragon69]

Trust me you are not alone in this one. I have had some really rotten days but feel I can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel even though things are not stabilised yet.

I used to butterfly and do survival swimming and you are not the only one out of shape and overweight so dont feel alone on that front either! I got back in the pool in January and was shocked at how much work I needed to do.

The histamine test was ok as I knew they would sort me out if I ran into more probs.

My asthma cons ran skin prick and blood tests and none of them came up with foods, but he knows that bananas make me wheezy for instance, my derms and gastro cons both recognise the impact food has on my skin and gut.

The dietitian is comparing my need for low fibre, low fat, gluten free, dairy free with salicylate, benzoic acid and azo dyes - the last three are due to all cons and my GP thinking I am aspirin sensitive because my pentasa triggered my asthma and its the same drug group. They also think if I am aspirin sensitive then I need to look at the last two which are preservatives and E numbers/colourants as they know I have problems swallowing and get wheezy and itch or my skin breaks out and I get mouth ulcers very fast after eating some foods. The other problem I have is keeping my potassium levels up so my dietitian is trying to tie that in too! Think I am a bit of a challenge eh? lol She did leave me a message on friday to say she had the list done and wanted to talk to me but would post it out anyway so hope to have it this week.

From a Crohns perspective I am now only on Infliximab 6 weekly because the Pentasa triggered my asthma and had to stop 6MP due to my liver tests deteriorating last week. I was on Azathioprine from spring til december last year but had to stop it because of liver problems hence they tried the 6MP.

The gastro team want to try the foods aspects in the meantime and see if that helps me. The infliximab has made dramatic changes to my skin and asthma to the extent I have been able to cut down on my steroid creams and some of my asthma drugs in recent weeks. Gut wise there has been big changes but just cant seem to get things any more settled and they all think its possible.

Time will tell eh?

 

[butt-eze]

You are a challenging one! Luckily, it sounds like you found people that like a challenge
The interesting thing about the food is that I've never had a doctor suggest diet change to combat my Crohn's. I've even asked!

Well doll, I'm off to do laundry while the little one sleeps away

Amy