Lung Tests

Doctors use chest CT scans to see inside your lungs and diagnose problems. This scan can check if your lungs are healthy or identify issues that need treatment. It is also used to track ongoing conditions and check if treatments are effective.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, a CT scan can help find the cause
Sometimes, doctors scan the nose and sinuses to check for inflammation or swelling
Find out why you have trouble breathing or taking a deep breath
A CT scan can find problems like tumors, fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion), or infections like pneumonia

You will have your chest CT scan in a medical imaging center or hospital. Here is how it happens;

You will be asked to lie down on a table that slides into the CT scanner
The scanner makes soft buzzing or clicking sounds while taking pictures
Sometimes, doctors use a contrast dye, often iodine-based, injected into your vein before the scan. This dye helps show more details in the images

Usually, you will not get your results immediately. A radiologist, a doctor who specializes in reading scans, will look at the images and forward a detailed report to your treating doctor. Your doctor will then talk to you about the results, especially if there are any issues found.

The 6-Minute Walk Test helps doctors:

To check how well your lungs and heart work during physical activity

This test helps assess your fitness level if you have conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in lungs), interstitial lung disease (lung tissue scarring)
To monitor your response to treatments for your lung or heart conditions
To decide if further tests are needed

Before the test, your blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen level are checked. Here are the steps for the test;

Walk as far as you can for six minutes with an oximeter placed at the end of your finger

This test helps assess your fitness level if you have conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in lungs), interstitial lung disease (lung tissue scarring)

Move at your normal pace
Walk back and forth between two points, such as chairs or a mark
If you feel chest pain or have trouble breathing, tell the staff
You can slow down, rest, or stop if needed or as per doctor’s advice
You will get updates every minute during the test

After the test, your results are compared to normal values for people of your age, gender, height, and weight. These results show how well your heart and lungs are working and if your treatment is helping. Based on the results, your doctor may change your medication or exercise plan.