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CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE LUNG DISEASE DIAGNOSIS |
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The first step in diagnosing COPD is a
good medical evaluation, including a medical history and a physical
examination of the chest using a stethoscope. In addition, the
doctor may request one or more of the following tests: Pulmonary function test Using a spirometer, an instrument that measures the air taken into and exhaled from the lungs, the doctor will determine two important values:(1) vital capacity (VC), the largest amount of air expelled after the deepest inhalation, and (2) forced expiratory volume (FEV1), the maximum amount of air expired in one second. The pulmonary function test can be performed in the doctor's office, but is expensive. Chest x ray Chest x-rays can detect only about half of the cases of emphysema. Chest x-rays are rarely useful for diagnosing chronic bronchitis. Blood gas levels Blood may be drawn from an artery (more painful than drawing blood from a vein) to determine the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide present. Low oxygen and high carbon dioxide levels are often indicative of chronic bronchitis, but not always of emphysema. Tests for cause of infection If infection is present, blood and sputum tests may be done to determine the cause of infection. Electrocardiogram (ECG) Many patients with lung disease also develop heart problems. The ECG identifies signs of heart disease. |
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| CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE LUNG DISEASE RELATED ITEMS | ||
