What kind of tests should I do if my lungs are not good?
In recent years, with environmental pollution and changes in lifestyle, lung health problems have attracted increasing attention. For patients with lung discomfort or suspected lung disease, it is crucial to conduct relevant examinations in a timely manner. The following are common examination items for lung problems and their related data to help you better understand the health of your lungs.
1. Common lung examination items

| Check items | Inspection purpose | Applicable symptoms | Things to note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest X-ray | Preliminary screening for lung inflammation, tuberculosis, tumors, etc. | Cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing | Pregnant women need to be careful and avoid radiation |
| CT scan | Observe lung structure in more detail and discover microscopic lesions | 疑似肺癌、肺结节 | The amount of radiation is higher than that of X-rays and requires a doctor’s evaluation |
| Pulmonary function test | Assess lung ventilation function, diagnose asthma, COPD, etc. | Long-term cough and asthma | Avoid strenuous exercise before the test |
| bronchoscopy | Direct observation of the inside of the trachea and bronchi | Hemoptysis, suspected tumor | Local anesthesia is required and may cause discomfort |
| Sputum test | Detect pathogens or cancer cells | Coughing up phlegm, suspected infection or lung cancer | Fresh sputum samples need to be collected |
2. Basis for selecting inspection items
The choice of pulmonary examination depends on the patient's specific symptoms, medical history, and physician recommendations. The following are recommended tests for some common symptoms:
| Symptoms | Recommended inspection | possible disease |
|---|---|---|
| long term cough | Chest X-ray, lung function test | Chronic bronchitis, asthma |
| chest pain | CT scan, EKG | pneumonia, pleurisy, heart disease |
| difficulty breathing | Pulmonary function test, blood gas analysis | COPD, emphysema |
| Hemoptysis | 支气管镜检查、CT扫描 | Tuberculosis, lung cancer |
3. Precautions before lung examination
1.fasting requirements: Some examinations (such as bronchoscopy) may require fasting, so you need to consult your doctor in advance.
2.Comfortable to wear: It is recommended to wear loose clothing during the examination to avoid metal jewelry affecting the image results.
3.medication adjustment: Some drugs may affect the test results, so you need to inform your doctor in advance.
4.Mental preparation: Some examinations (such as bronchoscopy) may cause discomfort, so you need to stay relaxed.
4. Suggestions on daily maintenance of lung health
In addition to regular examinations, lung care in daily life is equally important:
1.quit smoking: Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer and COPD.
2.avoid contamination: Reduce going out in hazy weather and wear a mask when necessary.
3.moderate exercise: Aerobic exercise can enhance lung function, such as swimming and jogging.
4.diet conditioning: Eat more foods rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
5. Summary
Lung health is related to the quality of life. Once symptoms of discomfort occur, you should seek medical examination in time. Lung diseases can be effectively prevented and detected early through scientific examination methods and a healthy lifestyle. It is recommended that high-risk groups (such as long-term smokers and people with occupational exposure) undergo regular lung health screening.
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