Diagnosing chronic bronchitis can be particularly hard, owing to the fact that this condition shares a lot of symptoms with a range of diseases like pneumonia and emphysema. Throughout the examination your physician will ask you for a full medical history, plus request a full physical exam. The attending doctor will note down any symptoms that are upsetting you, and most likely ask about your smoking habits, because chain smoking is the principal trigger of this condition. If the results are revealed to be insubstantial, there are still a wide range of methods that may be carried out to confirm if a patient is suffering from this disease:

Pulmonary Function Testing a.k.a. PFT – PFT involves a series of respiratory exercises through a machine. The machine used in PFT calculates the airflow, as well as the level of oxygen that freely flows into your lungs. This is distinctly important in chronic bronchitis diagnosis because many people who experience chronic bronchitis complain of a gasping sensation, as well as labored breathing. This diagnostic method helps your physician to measure the condition of your lungs.

High Resolution Tomography (abbreviated as HRCT) is a type of Computed Tomography (CT) scan that has the ability to provide the physician with clear imaging of the lungs. An HRCT is performed precisely as a CT scan is, and commonly takes only a short number of minutes. HRCT’s are usually done on an open air, flat table.

X-Ray – Chest X-Rays provides the doctor with a clear chronic bronchitis diagnosis, and enables the doctor to exclude several other related possibilities.

Chronic bronchitis diagnosis is generally pain-free and easy. If you think that you have developed chronic bronchitis it is a great idea to seek a visit with your doctor and get a definite diagnosis. Avoid cigarette smoking and inhaling irritants either in your workplace or inside your home. If have been tested positive for chronic bronchitis it is often a better to make adjustments in your diet, and start exercising daily to protect oneself from the symptoms of of chronic bronchitis.