Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a general term used to describe a number of progressive lung diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. This condition is characterised by difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath and an unexplained, excessive feeling of tiredness. Shortness of breath is caused by decreased airflow in and out of the bronchial tubes in the lungs, depriving the body of much-needed oxygen.
The two main types are chronic bronchitis, a lung disorder characterised by inflamed bronchial tubes that overproduce mucus, which results in the blockage of the airways.
Emphysema is a condition that occurs when the air sacs in the lungs become damaged, resulting to less elasticity to allow for air that gets in and out of the lungs.
COPD can become a debilitating disease that affects day to day activities.
Imaging Tests
Lung imaging tests are done with ultrasound or CT scan to check for inflammation or abdominalitiess. Chest imaging tests are done to rule out pneumonia, which causes similar symptoms.
Spirometry Test
A spirometry test may be done to check lung function and to detect lung disorders and diseases.
