6 Ways to Diagnose Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease that affects the respiratory system by the thickening and stiffening of lung tissue, which ends up as scar tissue.  In cases when physicians are unable to identify the root cause of the disease, it is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

There is no single test capable of correctly diagnosing pulmonary fibrosis, which is why a group of diagnostic tests is often required to make a full diagnosis. Here’s a list of six ways to diagnose pulmonary fibrosis:

1. Chest X-ray, which generates a picture of the chest structures such as the heart and lungs, allows physicians to search for shadows that indicate scar tissue.

Did you know that pulmonary fibrosis can be difficult to diagnose and treat? 

2. Breathing tests to find out how much lung damage you have. Lung function tests are also used to measure the amount and speed of air that can be blown out of the lung —  which helps to understand the severity of damage in the lungs.

Learn some simple facts of pulmonary fibrosis. 

3. Blood tests check for oxygen levels in your bloodstream and for possible infections. An arterial blood gas test is also used to measure the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide by collecting and analyzing a sample of blood from an artery, usually in the wrist. The arterial blood gas test is considered to be more accurate than the pulse oximetry test.

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4. Lung biopsy, done during bronchoscopy or as a surgical procedure. A sample of lung tissue is removed for your doctor to study.

Wondering how you can better manage you pulmonary fibrosis? Find out more here. 

5. CT scan: A high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan is a type of x-ray with higher precision and more detail.

Here are some simple facts about idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

6. During an exercise test, patients walk or pedal for a specific time while data is collected to reveal how the lungs move oxygen and carbon dioxide in and out of the bloodstream.

Here are 4 things you can do to help prevent pulmonary fibrosis. 

Learn more about pulmonary fibrosis here.

Pulmonary Fibrosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.