A recent chest X-ray showed that I have hyperinflated lungs. What could cause this?
Answer From Eric J. Olson, M.D.
Hyperinflated lungs occur when air gets trapped in the lungs and causes them to overinflate. Hyperinflated lungs can be caused by blockages in the air passages or by air sacs that are less elastic, which interferes with the expulsion of air from the lungs.
Hyperinflated lungs are often seen in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — a disorder that includes emphysema. Certain lung problems, such as asthma and cystic fibrosis, also can cause hyperinflation.
In some cases, lungs can appear hyperinflated on X-rays for reasons unrelated to lung function. If it isn't clear what's causing the hyperinflation, your doctor might recommend additional testing, such as a computerized tomography (CT) of the chest and pulmonary function tests.
Show References
- McCormack MD. Dynamic hyperinflation in patients with COPD. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 8, 2017.
- Thomas M, et al. No room to breathe: The importance of lung hyperinflation in COPD. Primary Care Respiratory Journal. 2013;22:101.
- O'Donnell DE, et al. Lung hyperinflation in COPD: Applying physiology to clinical practice. COPD Research and Practice. 2015;1:4.
- AskMayoExpert. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2016.
- Olson EJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 11, 2017.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/emphysema/expert-answers/hyperinflated-lungs/FAQ-20058169