The first test in this series is the Spirogram. It is a test designed to measure airflow in the lungs, and is very helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive conditions, such as COPD. The test is made up of blowing into the testing device as hard and as long as possible. In order to have a valid test result, the test must be repeated several times, both with and without bronchodilators. If the test results improve after the bronchodilators, then it is possible that regular treatment with these medications might be effective. This is the primary test that Social Security uses to determine disability due to respiratory conditions.
The second test, Lung Volume, is a way of measuring the capacity of the lungs. The patient breathes a medical testing gas, and then slowly exhales into the testing device. Measurements are taken and after mathematical conversions the examiner is able to determine the capacity of the lungs. This test is especially useful in the diagnosis of restrictive conditions like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
The final test is diffusion capacity. This test also involves breathing a medical gas and then analyzing the expired breath. The test measures the rate that the oxygen in the lungs enters the blood stream.
These tests, along with arterial blood gas (ABG's) studies form the cornerstone of the evaluation of lung disease. In an ABG, blood is drawn and analyzed to determine its chemical composition. In this test, the factors considered are the pH, oxygen content, and carbon dioxide content of the blood. These three factors provide physicians with valuable information on a wide range of pulmonary conditions, however since the ABG involves drawing blood, it is not routinely done, especially in the beginning stages of COPD.
Once tests like these are run and the results interpreted, treatment plans can be established based on the values found during testing.
As I mentioned, I had my PFT today and I was pleasantly surprised. The values showed that my emphysema is mild rather than moderate. The test results showed that I only had a 10% loss over what would normally be expected for a man of my age, height and weight. The reason, I truly believe is because I received early medical attention. I was put on an inhaler to help my breathing, but overall the doctor was very pleased. I will discuss inhalers in a future article, but believe me, they are a great aid to breathing. Also, he encouraged me to try cutting back my smoking by another 50% in the next few months.
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