COPD Diagnosis and Tests

  • COPD
    Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a condition commonly referred to as “smoker’s lung” as tobacco smoke is the most common cause of COPD. It is also known as Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COLD). The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates COPD to be at 4th place in the list of diseases causing death. It affects 9-10% of adults aged above 40.   
Submitted by Dr S. Patel on 13 May 2016

Your doctor may recommend the following tests:

Spirometry: This measures the amount of airflow obstruction in COPD patients and it is a commonly used test to diagnose these conditions. This test is performed with a hand- held device, called a spirometer. The patient is asked to inhale deeply, then rapidly blow out the air. Based on the amount of exhaled air, the stage of COPD can be diagnosed.

Chest X-ray

Complete blood count: This is to exclude the presence of other pathologies, identify anaemia and polycythemia.

High-resolution computed tomography scan (CT scan) of the chest

Community
Respiratory and Pulmonary
Condition
COPD

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