Unique Original Articles » Diagnosis For Chronic Bronchitis

The process of diagnosing chronic bronchitis can be particularly complicated, because this condition has symptoms similar to other diseases like emphysema and pneumonia. In the course of the preliminary check-up the physician will get your full medical history, and then require a complete physical examination. The physician may ask you about any symptoms that are causing you distress, and most likely quiz you about your smoking habits, in view of the fact that chain smoking is the number one contributing factor of this disease. If the results of the examination turn out to be insufficient for a definite diagnosis, there are still several other methods that may be conducted to ascertain if you are has developed this disease:

Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) – This test is basically a series of respiratory exercises through a machine. The PFT machine measures the patient’s airflow, and the quantity of air that flows freely into your lungs. This method is particularly important in testing for chronic bronchitis because most individuals who experience chronic bronchitis are bothered by a shortness of breath, and labored breathing. This test enables the attending specialist to evaluate the normal functioning of your lungs.

HRCT or High Resolution Computer Tomography is a special type of Computed Tomography (CT) scan that has the ability to provide the physician with a high resolution scan of your lungs. This diagnostic step is performed precisely like a CT scan, and normally takes only a short number of minutes. HRCT's are usually performed on a flat table.

X-Ray – A chest X-Ray provides the doctor with a positive chronic bronchitis diagnosis, and enables the doctor to exclude other possible diseases.

The diagnostic steps involved in determining chronic bronchitis are straightforward and painless. If you think that you are experiencing chronic bronchitis it is recommended that you seek a consultation with your doctor and make sure. In the meantime, avoid smoking and breathing in irritants either at your job or in the confines of your home. If have been tested positive for chronic bronchitis it is often a better to watch your diet, and start a daily fitness routine to avoid feeling the symptoms of chronic bronchitis.
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