Sputum (Diagnosis)

Diagnosis:

• Sputum test: Patient is asked to cough out the sputum into a container. Generally from a deep cough in the morning. Patients are advised to have plenty of fluids to loosen up the secretions. At least 2 millilitres of sputum is required by the laboratory as adequate sample.

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

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

• 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 ongoing 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.

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