This will help you and your doctor plan your treatment. Sometimes more tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis or determine the severity of your COPD. This is a rare genetic problem that increases your risk of COPD. Sometimes a blood test may also be done to see if you have alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. Provide objective data to assess respiratory function. Better control asthma by quickly detecting subtle changes in airway diameter so preventive interventions can be instituted. Blood testsĪ blood test can show other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to COPD, such as a low iron level (anaemia) and a high concentration of red blood cells in your blood (erythrocytosis). Oxygenation: Respiratory : Measure peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), which is the point of highest flow during maximal exhalation. Problems that can be shown by an X-ray include chest infections and lung cancer, although these do not always show. Chest X-rayĪ chest X-ray can be used to look for problems in the lungs that can cause similar symptoms to COPD. The readings are compared with normal results for your age, which can show if your airways are obstructed. You may be asked to breathe out a few times to get a consistent reading. The spirometer takes 2 measurements: the volume of air you can breathe out in a second, and the total amount of air you breathe out. You'll be asked to breathe into a machine called a spirometer after inhaling a medicine called a bronchodilator, which helps widen your airways. SpirometryĪ spirometry test can help show how well your lungs are working. nose clip should be worn Test should be performed with an open glottis and without a. They may also do, or arrange for you to have, a breathing test called spirometry, plus other related tests of the lungs and airways. Satisfactory peak flow must be achieved Exhalation should be for at least 6 seconds (3 for a child) minimum of three trials must be performed (two of which are reproducible within 5 When expiring the patient must do so without hesitation. ask if you have a family history of lung problems.calculate your body mass index (BMI) using your weight and height.examine your chest and listen to your breathing using a stethoscope.If they're not, try again until you get three numbers that are similar.See a GP if you have persistent symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The numbers should all be very close together if you're doing it right each time. In this series: Asthma Asthma Inhalers This leaflet provides information about the peak flow meter which is used by some people with asthma. Repeat steps 1 to 7 two more times as soon as you can after you've taken a few normal breaths.If not, write down the number on the meter at which the marker now rests (spring system) or that shows on your the screen (digital), if not logged electronically. If you coughed, your tongue got in the way, or you didn't get a good seal, repeat these steps and discard that reading.Blow air out as hard and as fast as you can in one breath for no more than one second.While holding your breath, put the meter's mouthpiece in your mouth, making sure that your tongue is underneath the mouthpiece and your lips are closed tightly to create a seal around it.Inhale deeply, filling up your lungs as much as you can.Attach the mouthpiece if it's not already connected.If you're using a digital meter, turn it on. If you're using a meter with a spring system (not digital), make sure the marker on your meter is at 0 or the lowest number.
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