What is Involved in a Diagnosis of Emphysema?

Emphysema is a chronic condition of the lungs. Various medical tests and a complete history and physical are required before making a diagnosis of emphysema. Medical tests performed may include a chest x-ray, arterial blood gas test, and pulmonary function test. As one of the primary causes of emphysema is cigarette smoking, a patient will be asked about tobacco use.

One of the first steps in making a diagnosis of emphysema is performing a physical. A physician will listen to lung sounds and check for wheezing. The shape of the chest will be noted. Some patients develop a barrel-shaped chest with emphysema. Patients will be asked about symptoms, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and excess mucus production.

A chest x-ray will likely be ordered. The x-ray will help identify changes in the lungs, which may indicate emphysema. Changes, such as over-inflated lungs may develop.

There are other lung conditions that have similar symptoms to emphysema. In order to make a diagnosis of emphysema, a pulmonary function test is often performed. The test involves measuring the volume of air going in and out of the lungs. Air trapping can be identified, which is an indicator of emphysema.

Also involved in a diagnosis of emphysema is measuring the carbon dioxide and oxygen level in the blood. The test helps determine how efficient breathing is. This is done through an arterial blood gas (ABG) test. The blood is taken from an artery in the body and analyzed. People with emphysema often have trouble exhaling carbon dioxide and may have high levels in the blood.

After a diagnosis of emphysema is made, a physician will discuss treatments and lifestyle changes that can be made. Emphysema treatment may include medication to open up the airways, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation classes to learn effective breathing techniques. There are various stages of emphysema, which may determine the treatment needed.

Because smoking and emphysema are closely related, after a diagnosis of emphysema, a patient will be encouraged to quit smoking. Continuing to smoke can lead to more lung damage and worsening symptoms. Smoking cessation programs are offered at hospitals and wellness centers. Medications, behavior modification techniques, and hypnosis may be used.

Emphysema prognosis depends on various factors, such as the extent of damage to the lungs, age of the patient, and underlying health problems. Patients should take an active role in managing their condition. Becoming educated on treatments and healthy lifestyle choices can improve quality of life when living with emphysema.