Tests

Advanced Diagnostic Services at Washington Township Medical Foundation

At Washington Township Medical Foundation, we use a number of tests to help patients with pulmonary symptoms find an accurate diagnosis. There are a wide range of conditions that can cause pulmonary symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and a tight feeling in the chest. The first step toward establishing an effective treatment plan and finding the relief you need is getting an accurate diagnosis of your condition. Our team of skilled pulmonary specialists is here to provide the answers you need.

To discover more about tests used in diagnosing pulmonary conditions, please read the pages below:

• Bronchoscopy
• Forced Vital Capacity
• Forced Expiratory Volume
• Pulmonary Function Tests
• Pulse Oximetry

How Is Lung Disease Diagnosed?

Your doctor will first complete a thorough medical history, as well as a physical exam. The second step is often a chest X-ray. Collectively, this information usually gives the doctor the data he / she needs to know which step should be taken next in order to determine the cause of your symptoms. Other tests called pulmonary function tests can be used to quantify the capacity of your lungs in storing air, moving air, and exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide. These tests can help pinpoint the type of lung disorder and the severity. Tests such as imaging tests and bronchoscopies allow a doctor to see what could be causing your pulmonary condition.

Your doctor may also order cardiac tests since lung disorders can impact the heart. In addition, cardiac problems can cause pulmonary symptoms such as shortness of breath. Because of this, if you are experiencing pulmonary symptoms, your doctor may conduct an echocardiography, electrocardiography (EKG), or other cardiac diagnostic procedure in order to ensure that your heart is functioning properly. Once a diagnosis is secured, your doctor can discuss treatments available for your condition.