A recent chest X-ray showed that I have hyperinflated lungs. What could cause this?

Answer From Misbah Baqir, M.B.B.S.

Hyperinflated lungs happen when some air gets trapped in the lungs when breathing out. The trapped air takes up space, so it’s harder to get enough fresh air into the lungs. Over time, the lungs get bigger than usual to make room for new air that’s breathed in. The lungs also get stiff and less stretchy, making it harder to push air out. Hyperinflated lungs can make it difficult to catch your breath. And breathing gets worse during physical activity.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often leads to hyperinflated lungs. COPD is a long-term lung disease that makes it hard for air to flow in and out of the lungs. The two most common forms of COPD are emphysema and long-term bronchitis. Often the two conditions happen together.

Certain other lung problems, such as asthma and cystic fibrosis, also can cause hyperinflated lungs.

In some cases, lungs can look hyperinflated on X-rays even if you don’t have a problem with how your lungs work. If it’s not clear what’s causing your hyperinflated lungs, your healthcare professional may suggest more tests. A CT scan of the chest and lung function tests are often done.

With

Misbah Baqir, M.B.B.S.

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.

To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail.

Nov. 23, 2023 See more Expert Answers