![]() ![]() Even for more advanced stages of disease, effective therapy is available that can control symptoms, slow progression, reduce your risk of complications and exacerbations, and improve your ability to lead an active life. Many people with COPD have mild forms of the disease for which little therapy is needed other than smoking cessation. This test may be done if you have a family history of COPD and develop COPD at a young age. For example, lab tests may be used to determine if you have the genetic disorder alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, which may be the cause of COPD in some people. Lab tests aren't used to diagnose COPD, but they may be used to determine the cause of your symptoms or rule out other conditions. This blood test measures how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide. CT scans can also be used to screen for lung cancer. A CT scan of your lungs can help detect emphysema and help determine if you might benefit from surgery for COPD. An X-ray can also rule out other lung problems or heart failure. A chest X-ray can show emphysema, one of the main causes of COPD. Other tests include measurement of lung volumes and diffusing capacity, six-minute walk test, and pulse oximetry. During the most common test, called spirometry, you blow into a large tube connected to a small machine to measure how much air your lungs can hold and how fast you can blow the air out of your lungs. These tests measure the amount of air you can inhale and exhale, and whether your lungs deliver enough oxygen to your blood. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |