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Lung health is more important to people now than ever. Since the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted humanity, there has been an increased focus on lung health. So it’s understandable that people who have respiratory problems might worry whether blood tests are required to make a diagnosis.
Said, blood tests can detect some lung issues, but they are primarily thought of as supplementary. While some people believe that x-ray, spirometry, and CT scans are the only ways to check the health of the respiratory system, additional lab tests are essential for identifying disorders. Blood tests help in determining how well your lungs are generally functioning.
Blood tests are used to check for lung infections that involve bacterial and viral transmission. So the only decision to make is which complete blood count is best for your symptoms. In light of this, it is crucial to comprehend how these blood tests function, the extent of the harm that infections can do, and the safeguards you can take to protect your lungs with home care Dubai.
Some Important Blood Tests for Lung Functioning
The blood oxygen level test is a common lab test at home to evaluate lung function.
On the contrary hand, certain blood tests are intended for evaluating overall health. They are crucial for keeping track of your lung health since other blood tests look for certain markers or bacteria related to respiratory diseases. Here are a few blood tests that are used to assess healthy lung function.
1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
To count blood cells, a full blood count (CBC) is requested. This test counts the number of platelets, white blood cells, leukocytes, and red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes.
However, if a lung infection is the main worry, you might choose a CBC without differential, in which the test focuses more on measuring WBCs. For instance, if you have pneumonia symptoms, a blood test, chest X-ray, sputum test, and pulse oximetry are necessary to determine whether you have the illness.
2. Blood Oxygen Level Test
Determine the amounts of respiratory gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) in the blood using a blood oxygen level test, often known as a gas analysis. It also monitors both gases’ partial pressure, saturation, and pH value.
Your lung function is impaired if the test results demonstrate an imbalance between oxygen intake and carbon dioxide elimination.
For this test, a medical professional will take a sample of blood from the radial artery in your wrist. The phrase arterial blood gases (ABG) test may thus be used in place of a blood oxygen level test. The blood sample is then examined at a lab.
3. C-Reactive Protein (CRP Test)
Another blood test that identifies decreased lung function is the C-reactive protein (CRP) test. CRP is a sign of inflammation as well.
According to a study, people with viral upper respiratory tract infections have CRP levels that are relatively high. Additionally, according to a recent Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute study, CRP readings may be utilized as a point-of-care technique to prevent overprescribing antibiotics to elderly home patients with lower respiratory tract infections.
4. Tuberculosis QUantiFERON-TB (QFT) Blood Test
When looking for the organism Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes TB, a QFT test is an alternative to a tuberculin skin test. For the blood collection for this test, various specialized tubes are used.
After the blood is drawn, it is cultured in a lab before being exposed to extremely specialized TB antigens. The outcome of the exposure dictates the infection and predicts the emergence of the virulent form of TB.
Why Should I Take a Blood Test for Lung Disease?
Taking a blood test for lung disease is important as there are several types of lung diseases and disorders that can damage your health and well-being. Early detection of these diseases can help you with the right treatment so that you don’t suffer severe health complications. Having said this, here are some of the critical lung diseases that you must be aware of;
1. Pneumonia
A bacterial or viral infection of the alveoli can cause pneumonia. It becomes more difficult to breathe as the illness worsens and the immune system fights against the pathogen (disease-causing organism).
2. Tuberculosis
A bacterial strain known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the source of the lung illness known as TB. While the bacterium mostly affects the lungs, it can also harm other important organs. If you have TB, you will have a high fever, exhaustion, neck swelling, appetite loss, and constant coughing that mostly contains blood as the infection worsens.
3. Asthma
Another severe lung condition called asthma is brought on by irritants that obstruct the airways and inflame the bronchial tubes. Chest discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing with a whistling sound are some of the mild to severe symptoms.
4. Cystic Fibrosis
The lungs and several digestive system organs, such as the intestines or pancreas, sustain severe damage as a result of the hereditary condition cystic fibrosis.
An individual with this condition creates thick, gooey mucus that impairs the function of the organ. The lungs’ airways are blocked by the mucus, which results in a constant cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Despite the fact that cystic fibrosis is fatal and presently has no treatment, it is manageable, especially if detected early.
5. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
A category of pulmonary disorders known as a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by an airflow obstruction that impairs breathing and leads to lung dysfunction. The two kinds of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Alveoli or air sacs are damaged as a result of emphysema. Breathlessness is one of the primary signs of this COPD. On the other hand, the bronchial tube linings are inflamed in chronic bronchitis. This results from chronic inflammation that causes mucus accumulation and intense coughing spells.
People who smoke and those who are exposed to irritants in the air have a higher chance of acquiring COPD. Quitting smoking is a key first step in preventing COPD.
The Final Takeaway
Lung issues are frequently brought on by unhealthy lifestyle choices, inherited traits, and outside influences, including exposure to air pollution. While most of these issues can be avoided, keeping an eye on your lung health is still crucial to maintaining your respiratory system functioning.
Therefore, having the appropriate tests performed, such as blood testing for lung cancer, when symptoms start to appear or even during your yearly physical check, might reveal underlying lung issues that could worsen in the future.
With that, you may have your lungs checked using the appropriate blood tests, such as the ABG, CBC, and CRP tests. Moreover, if you’re looking to get a blood test for lung disease or any other health complication, at your home with our lab test at home facility.
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