Diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

If multiple symptoms associated with COPD are observed in a person, the following tests can be useful in diagnosing the exact cause and future course of action.

•    Spirometry-It measures the breathing of an individual. Comparison of measurements such as FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in a second) and FVC (forced vital capacity) help in drawing a conclusion about the lung capacity and extent of lung damage.
•    Chest X-Ray-Hyperinflation, bullae, flattened diaphragm and unusually large retrosternal spaces are signs of COPD that can be observed in a chest X-Ray.
•    Blood test-Amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood can be measured by taking a sample from an artery.