Emphysema

Your healthcare provider can diagnose emphysema. However, they can’t diagnose emphysema solely from your symptoms.

Your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination. During the physical exam, they’ll listen to your lung sounds with a stethoscope (auscultation). A stethoscope is a medical device that features a small, metal disc (diaphragm) that connects to earpieces with rubber tubing.

With their stethoscope pressed against your chest, your healthcare provider will tap on your chest and listen for a hollow sound. If they hear a hollow sound, that means your lungs are trapping air. They’ll then order tests to confirm emphysema.

What tests will be done to diagnose emphysema?

Your healthcare provider may order the following tests to diagnose emphysema:

• Chest X-ray. Your healthcare provider will take X-rays of your chest to look at your lungs. They’ll compare your lungs to X-rays of healthy lungs. X-rays are usually not helpful in detecting the early stages of emphysema. They’re more useful in diagnosing moderate or severe emphysema.
• CT scan. A CT scan creates a 3D image of your lungs. It provides more detailed images than an X-ray.
• Pulmonary function testing. Pulmonary function tests measure how well your lungs inhale and exhale air. Testing may include spirometry. Spirometry uses a spirometer machine to measure the flow of air through your lungs. It also estimates the amount of air in your lungs.
• Arterial blood gas (ABG). An ABG measures the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood from an artery (arterial blood). An artery is a tube that carries blood away from your heart. Your healthcare provider may order an ABG if your emphysema gets worse. It can help determine if you need extra oxygen.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG). An EKG checks your heart function. Your healthcare provider may order an EKG to rule out heart disease as a cause of shortness of breath.
• Blood tests and genetic tests. Your healthcare provider may order blood tests and genetic tests to confirm alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency as a cause of emphysema.