Medical Health Encyclopedia

X-rays are rarely useful for diagnosing chronic bronchitis, although they sometimes show a so-called dirty chest (mild scarring and thickened airway walls).

Computed Tomography. Computed tomography (CT) scans can accurately assess the severity of COLD and may be used to determine the size of the air pockets (bullae) in the lungs. This imaging technique may even be useful for assessing mild COLD.

Other Tests for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease

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

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Test for ATT. Physicians will typically test for the protective enzyme, alpha 1-antiprotease (ATT or antitrypsin), which is often deficient in COLD patients (although asthma patients may also have low levels).

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