Making the Diagnosis
A doctor who suspects emphysema will likely want to know your history and will also perform lung function tests. The tests may include:
- spirometry: The forced expiratory volume exhaled after one second (FEV1) test measures the amount of air you can exhale in one second. The forced vital capacity (FVC) test measures the total amount of air that the lungs can expel. These are the most common measures of lung function.
- pulmonary function tests: These include spirometry, but also measurements of lung size, oxygenation, and gas diffusion testing.
- chest X-ray or high-resolution CAT scan: A scan is often needed to eliminate the possibility of other medical conditions, such as lung fibrosis or other lung diseases.
- oximetry: Measurements of oxygen in the blood is tested by a small device that clips on the finger, toe, or ear.
- arterial blood gases: Blood tests provide relevant information on the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your bloodstream.