Pulmonary Disease Tests
Advanced Diagnostic Services at Washington Township Medical Foundation
At Washington Township Medical Foundation, we use a number of tests to
help patients with pulmonary symptoms find an accurate diagnosis. There
are a wide range of conditions that can cause pulmonary symptoms such
as shortness of breath, wheezing, and a tight feeling in the chest. The
first step toward establishing an effective treatment plan and finding
the relief you need is getting an accurate diagnosis of your condition.
Our team of skilled pulmonary specialists is here to provide the answers you need.
To discover more about tests used in diagnosing pulmonary conditions, please
read the pages below:
How Is Lung Disease Diagnosed?
Your doctor will first complete a thorough medical history, as well as
a physical exam. The second step is often a chest X-ray. Collectively,
this information usually gives the doctor the data he / she needs to know
which step should be taken next in order to determine the cause of your
symptoms. Other tests called pulmonary function tests can be used to quantify
the capacity of your lungs in storing air, moving air, and exchanging
oxygen and carbon dioxide. These tests can help pinpoint the type of lung
disorder and the severity. Tests such as imaging tests and bronchoscopies
allow a doctor to see what could be causing your pulmonary condition.
Your doctor may also order cardiac tests since lung disorders can impact
the heart. In addition, cardiac problems can cause pulmonary symptoms
such as shortness of breath. Because of this, if you are experiencing
pulmonary symptoms, your doctor may conduct an echocardiography, electrocardiography
(EKG), or other cardiac diagnostic procedure in order to ensure that your
heart is functioning properly. Once a diagnosis is secured, your doctor
can discuss
treatments available for your condition.