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 hold. 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 across the alveolar membrane.
- Chest X-ray or high-resolution CAT scan: A scan is often needed to
eliminate the possibility of other medical conditions such as tuberculosis
or lung cancer.
- Oximetry: Measurements of oxygen in the blood as based on a clip
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.