Diagnosing Emphysema

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.

Tests may include:

• Chest x-ray -a test that uses radiation to take pictures of structures inside the body
• CT Scan -a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the chest
• Blood tests assessing the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood (arterial blood gas test)
• Lung function tests (spirometry)