Chronic bronchitis Diagnosis

Chronic Bronchitis Diagnosis:

• Lung function test – Spirometer devices are used to assess the pulmonary functioning in form of how long the lung can hold , take in and move out the air. (less air in – restrictive type; less air out- obstructive type of lung disease). It is also helpful in assessment of the the on going treatment and in grading the seriousness the disease.

• By the help of Peak flow monitors, we can measure the speed at which the air is being blown out by the lungs. In Chronic bronchitis there is inflammatory changes and hypersecretion of mucus along the airways hence it significantly reduces the speed at which air leaves the lungs.

• Radiograph of the chest– Chest X-ray shows us changes in lung parenchyma, associated complications ~ COPD, signs of pulmonary infections or heart failure.

• CT Scan of the chest – is carried out to study more minute changes in the lung parenchyma like air trapping, emphysema, bronchiectasis etc all. It also gives a better picture of muscle, other organs, bones and fat.

• Pulse oximetry and arterial blood gas– assessment is done to measure amount of oxygen in the blood.