Pulmonology & Respiratory Medicine

Pulmonary diseases: Treatment, Diagnosis and therapies

Diagnosis

1. Spirometry is a noninvasive test to assess lung function. During the test, you’ll take a deep breath and then blow into a tube connected to the spirometer.
2. Imaging tests include a chest X-ray or CT scan. These images can provide a detailed look at your lungs, blood vessels, and heart.
3. An arterial blood gas test involves taking a blood sample from an artery to measure blood oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other important levels.

Treatment:

The cornerstone of COPD treatment is smoking cessation, crucial for preventing disease progression and preserving lung function. Bronchodilators, typically administered via inhalers, relax airway muscles, easing symptoms like coughing and breathlessness. Inhaled corticosteroids reduce airway inflammation and exacerbations, though they may cause side effects like bruising and oral infections. Roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, is beneficial for severe COPD with chronic bronchitis symptoms, easing airway inflammation. While antibiotics can address respiratory infections exacerbating COPD symptoms, they're primarily used for acute exacerbations rather than prevention. Overall, these treatments aim to manage symptoms, improve lung function, and enhance quality of life for individuals living with COPD.

Therapies:

Oxygen therapy utilizes various devices, including portable units, to deliver oxygen to the lungs. Individuals with COPD may use oxygen during activities or continuously, improving quality of life and extending lifespan. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs offer education, exercise training, nutrition guidance, and counseling, enhancing everyday functioning and reducing hospitalizations.