Diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease

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Computed Tomography. Computed tomography (CT) scans can accurately assess the severity of COPD and may be used to determine the size of the air pockets (bullae) in the lungs.

Other Tests for COPD

Noninvasive Methods for Determining Severity. Questionnaires and short exercise tests are very useful for determining the severity of COPD.

Test for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Physicians will typically test for the enzyme alpha-1 antitrypsin in COPD patients who are nonsmokers and who develop emphysema in their 30s.

Additional Blood and Sputum Tests. Additional tests may be required if the physician suspects other medical problems. If the person has pneumonia, for instance, blood and sputum tests and cultures may be performed to determine the cause of infection.

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Bronchodilator Challenge. Using a bronchodilator can usually relieve the symptoms of asthma. However, patients with COPD typically have a limited response to bronchodilation. A bronchodilator challenge test may help distinguish between the two diseases. Some patients with COPD experience limited and temporary improvement in FEV1 30 - 45 minutes after inhaling medication from a metered dose inhaler. However, their airflow remains poor.

Review Date: 04/10/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).