Diagnosing Chronic Bronchitis – How It Is Done

Diagnosing chronic bronchitis may be very hard, since chronic bronchitis shares similar symptoms with various diseases like pneumonia and emphysema. Throughout the preliminary check-up the specialist will get your full medical history, and then conduct a complete physical exam. The attending doctor will ask you about any symptoms you are experiencing, and probably quiz you if you smoke, in view of the fact that chronic smoking is the number one contributing factor of chronic bronchitis. If the results are inconclusive, there are still several different diagnostic methods that may be conducted to see if an individual is has developed chronic bronchitis:

PFT or Pulmonary Function Testing – This method involves a series of breathing exercises through a machine. The machine used in PFT measures your airflow, in addition to the amount of air that is able to flow into the patient’s lungs. This step is distinctly important in testing for chronic bronchitis because many people who experience chronic bronchitis battle with a shortness of breath, as well as labored respiration. This diagnostic test enables your doctor to gauge the condition of your lungs.

HRCT or High Resolution Computer Tomography is a special type of CT scan that has the ability to provide your doctor with a high resolution image of the lungs. This diagnostic step is executed exactly as a CT scan is, and ideally takes only a short time. These are more commonly performed on an open air table.

X-Ray – Chest X-Rays can provide the doctor with a confirmed diagnosis of chronic bronchitis, and enables the doctor to eliminate other possible causes of the symptoms.

In general, diagnosing chronic bronchitis is straightforward and painless. If you feel you have developed chronic bronchitis it is recommended that you schedule a consultation with your physician and get diagnosed. Also try to avoid smoking and limit your exposure to irritants either in your job site or at home. If have been confirmed to have chronic bronchitis it is often a smart idea to eat a healthy diet, and start a daily fitness routine to prevent developing the symptoms of chronic bronchitis.

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