Common Diagnostic Tests for Lung Illnesses

With the rise in factors such as air pollution, smoking and changes in the lifestyle of the global population, lung illnesses have become very common. Regardless of these factors, there has also been an increase in modern medicine to counter the conditions and manage these illnesses.

Pulmonologists have also played a crucial role in the recent years, in diagnosing and treating some of the common lung illnesses. In this blog, we will explore some common diagnostic tests that chest doctors in Siliguri may use to help diagnose lung-related illnesses.

Some Of The Common Diagnosis Tests

• Chest X-ray

This imaging procedure provides a detailed picture of the lungs, heart, blood vessels and bones of the chest and spine, by using electromagnetic radiation. This procedure is used to identify a wide range of lung conditions such as cancer, infections as well as tuberculosis and pneumonia. Chest specialists also recommend this test as an initial stage if a patient has symptoms like cough and chest pain.

• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)

This is a group of tests which help the specialists to measure the functioning level of the lungs. These are used by specialists to diagnose conditions such as COPD, asthma, and restrictive lung diseases. This diagnosis test assesses how much air an individual can breathe while inhaling and exhaling, how quickly the air moves in and out of the lungs and the effectiveness of oxygen transfer.

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

This is also an imaging procedure which is used to get a more detailed image of the lungs and chest as compared to X-rays. A chest doctor in Siliguri may order a CT scan if a patient has persistent symptoms or abnormal X-ray findings that require further investigation. CT scans are critical for diagnosing lung cancer, pulmonary embolism, and complex lung infections.

• Sputum Test

This test involves the analysis of mucus or phlegm that is present in the patient’s cough. Chest specialists often use this procedure to diagnose bacterial infections like bronchitis, pneumonia and tuberculosis. This sample of the mucus is also analyzed under the microscope to identify any possible presence of viruses, fungi or bacteria.

• Bronchoscopy

A bronchoscopy procedure uses a thin flexible tube with a camera, to examine the airway and lungs. With this pulmonologists can inspect the lungs for abnormalities like blockages, tumours and inflammation. In this procedure, the chest specialist may also take some tissue samples for further examination. This procedure is often used in cases of persistent cough, unexplained shortness of breath, or abnormal chest X-rays.

• Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test

The ABG procedure is used to measure the carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood. Chest specialists usually recommend this procedure in cases where they suspect an ineffective exchange of gases. The ABG test can help in evaluating the severity of respiratory issues such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and asthma. It also provides valuable information about the patient’s acid-base balance, which can be disrupted in severe lung disease.

• Allergy Testing

Patients who deal with conditions such as asthma are often triggered by various allergens. The allergy testing there is useful for identifying their triggers. The procedure involves skin prick tests or blood tests to detect allergens that might cause airway inflammation and lead to asthma attacks.

The diagnostic tests mentioned above are commonly used by chest doctors in Siliguri to evaluate and diagnose lung conditions. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential in managing lung diseases and improving patient outcomes.

If you're experiencing persistent coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain, it is crucial to seek medical advice from a qualified chest doctor. By utilizing these tests, doctors can better understand the condition of your lungs and develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.