COPD is a term that covers progressive lung problems and diseases which can be defined with shortness of breath for example emphysema, chronic bronchitis and refractory asthma. It can however develop over the years …show more content…
Series of question including smoking history will determine the results as well. If the patient has been coughing the doctor will ask for duration and any cough product. The test performed to diagnose id called spirometry. This is a noninvasive procedure. The technician simply asks the patient to blow as hard as possible into the tube while their nose is clipped. The spirometer measures the amount of air expelled. The doctor may also perform a chest X-ray and a chest CT scan to help visually assess the heart, lungs and blood vessels. These pictures can show whether another condition is causing the problems. An arterial blood gas test may also help determine how severe the COPD is. The blood test measures the level of oxygen and if oxygen therapy is required. If the patient is diagnosed with COPD there are certain treatments and medicines that might help relieve some of the