The diagnosis of a lung disease will encompass a complete evaluation of your symptoms, health history, and a set of diagnostic tests that your pulmonologist feels will confirm or rule out the initial impression of a specific disease(s). It’s important to have a meaningful Q and A with your Doctor during this time period.  Certain select following diagnostic tests may assist in uncovering the diagnosis for the following more common Lung Diseases or Conditions, including:

• Asbestosis

• Asthma

• Chronic Bronchitis

• COPD

• Emphysema

• Lung Clot

• Lung Collapse

• Lung Tumor

• Pulmonary Edema

• Pulmonary Fibrosis

• Pulmonary Hypertension

• Pulmonary Vascular Disease

• Sarcoidosis

Initial Diagnostic Tools

Initial Diagnostic Tools are likely to be non-invasive, such as The Pulmonary Function Test. The Pulmonary Function Test is denoted by a group of tests that measure the degree of lung function and capacity.  These tests include: Spirometry, Oximetry, and the Exercise Stress Test. This battery of tests will measure the volume of air the lungs are able to expel and how fast the lungs can release it.

Asthma, Bronchitis and Emphysema (Lung Airway Obstruction Diseases) may be initially detected and monitored to track ongoing changes in lung capacity by the Spirometry Test. In this test, you will be asked to blow through a big tube attached to a spirometer. The spirometer measures how much air the lung holds and how fast one may expel the air out. The Spirometry can detect the progression of COPD even before people are symptomatic and may also demonstrate the level of improvement in these lung conditions from treatment.

• Lung Tissue Diseases will also decrease lung volume capacity, evident in Pulmonary Function Tests.

• Asthma triggers may be identified through a consultation with  a board certified Allergist that offers Allergy Testing.

Imaging Technology

Imaging Technology, such as Chest X Ray, Computerized Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), offer images at different levels of enhancement to detect conditions and help evaluate the extent of the condition. Learn more about Imaging Technology for these specific Lung Conditions.

Invasive Testing for Lung Disease

Invasive Testing may be required to support a diagnosis for certain lung diseases and to develop a proposed appropriate treatment plan. There are benefits and risks to invasive diagnostic tests that will be reviewed with you during a Q and A session with your Pulmonologist. Learn more about Invasive Tests for Lung Diseases.

It is important to recognize that medications and medical procedures are associated with benefits and risks that should be discussed with your physician. It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition. Your Health Access disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.