Introduction: Why Accurate Lung Diagnosis Matters
Breathing problems such as chronic cough, breathlessness, wheezing, or chest tightness are often ignored or treated symptomatically. However, many lung diseases progress silently and require accurate diagnosis to prevent long-term damage.
According to a respiratory disease specialist in Delhi, advanced diagnostic tests like spirometry, pulmonary function tests (PFT), and CT scans play a critical role in identifying lung conditions early and guiding the right treatment.
This blog explains how pulmonologists use these tests to diagnose lung diseases accurately and why timely testing is essential.
Why Clinical Symptoms Alone Are Not Enough
Many lung conditions share similar symptoms:
- Asthma
- COPD
- Bronchitis
- Lung infections
- Interstitial lung disease
- Sleep-related breathing disorders
Without objective testing, these conditions can be misdiagnosed or under-treated. That’s why a pulmonologist relies on lung function tests and imaging, not just symptoms.
1. Spirometry: The First Step in Lung Diagnosis
What Is Spirometry?
Spirometry is a simple, non-invasive breathing test that measures:
- How much air you can inhale and exhale
- How fast you can exhale
It is one of the most commonly used tests by a respiratory disease specialist in Delhi.
What Does Spirometry Diagnose?
- Asthma
- COPD
- Chronic bronchitis
- Early airflow obstruction
- Restrictive lung patterns
Why Spirometry Is Important
- Detects lung disease early
- Differentiates asthma from COPD
- Measures severity of disease
- Monitors response to treatment
Many patients with early lung damage feel “normal” but show abnormalities on spirometry.
2. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT): Detailed Lung Assessment
What Are PFTs?
Pulmonary Function Tests are a group of tests that provide a comprehensive evaluation of lung function. Spirometry is one part of PFT, but advanced testing gives deeper insight.
PFTs Measure:
- Lung volumes
- Airflow limitation
- Gas exchange efficiency
- Oxygen transfer capacity
Conditions Diagnosed Using PFTs
- Moderate to severe asthma
- COPD progression
- Interstitial lung disease
- Occupational lung disease
- Post-COVID lung damage
A respiratory disease specialist in Delhi uses PFTs to decide whether symptoms are reversible, progressive, or restrictive in nature.
3. CT Scan of the Chest: Seeing Inside the Lungs
What Is a Chest CT Scan?
A CT (Computed Tomography) scan provides high-resolution images of lung tissue, airways, and blood vessels.
Unlike X-rays, CT scans detect subtle changes not visible on routine imaging.
When Is a CT Scan Recommended?
- Persistent cough with normal spirometry
- Recurrent lung infections
- Suspected lung scarring or fibrosis
- Nodules or masses
- Unexplained breathlessness
Diseases Diagnosed Using CT Scan
- Lung infections (pneumonia, TB)
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
- Emphysema
- Bronchiectasis
- Lung nodules
CT scans help pulmonologists confirm diagnosis and plan targeted treatment.
How Pulmonologists Decide Which Test You Need
A pulmonologist does not order tests randomly. The decision depends on:
- Age
- Symptoms
- Smoking history
- Pollution exposure
- Past infections
- Occupational risk
A respiratory disease specialist in Delhi may start with spirometry and then proceed to PFT or CT scan if needed.
Common Scenarios Where These Tests Are Used
Chronic Cough
Spirometry + CT scan to rule out asthma, COPD, or infection.
Breathlessness
PFT + oxygen assessment to evaluate lung capacity.
Frequent Infections
CT scan to identify bronchiectasis or structural lung disease.
Asthma Not Improving
Spirometry with bronchodilator testing to assess reversibility.
Are These Tests Safe?
✔ Spirometry & PFT – Completely safe and non-invasive
✔ CT Scan – Uses controlled radiation; benefits outweigh risks when medically indicated
Your pulmonologist ensures tests are done only when necessary.
Why Early Diagnosis Makes a Difference
Early diagnosis helps:
- Prevent irreversible lung damage
- Reduce hospital admissions
- Improve quality of life
- Optimize treatment
- Slow disease progression
Many advanced lung conditions begin silently and are only detected through proper testing.
When Should You Consult a Pulmonologist?
You should consult a respiratory disease specialist in Delhi if you experience:
- Persistent cough (more than 3 weeks)
- Breathlessness during daily activity
- Wheezing or chest tightness
- Recurrent lung infections
- Poor sleep due to breathing issues
Timely testing ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.
Conclusion
Spirometry, PFT, and CT scans are powerful tools that help pulmonologists diagnose lung diseases accurately and early. These tests go beyond symptoms and provide objective insight into lung health.
If you are experiencing ongoing respiratory symptoms, don’t rely on guesswork. Consultation with a respiratory disease specialist in Delhi and proper diagnostic testing can protect your lungs and long-term health.
Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes—and better breathing.
FAQ-How Pulmonologists Diagnose Lung Diseases
- What is spirometry and why is it done?
Spirometry is a simple breathing test that measures airflow and lung capacity. It helps diagnose asthma, COPD, and other airway diseases early.
- What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT)?
PFTs are a group of tests that assess lung volumes, airflow, and oxygen exchange. They provide a detailed evaluation of overall lung function.
- When is a CT scan of the chest required?
A CT scan is recommended when symptoms persist despite normal tests, or when lung infections, scarring, nodules, or structural lung disease are suspected.
- Are spirometry and PFT tests safe?
Yes. Spirometry and PFTs are non-invasive and safe for most patients. They do not involve radiation.
- How does a pulmonologist decide which test I need?
A pulmonologist evaluates symptoms, history, and risk factors, then selects the most appropriate test to ensure accurate diagnosis.
- Can lung diseases be diagnosed without these tests?
Symptoms alone are often misleading. Tests like spirometry, PFT, and CT scans provide objective data for correct diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Who should consult a respiratory disease specialist in Delhi?
Anyone with persistent cough, breathlessness, wheezing, recurrent infections, or sleep-related breathing problems should consult a specialist.
- How often should lung function tests be repeated?
Frequency depends on the condition. Chronic diseases like asthma or COPD may require periodic testing to monitor progression and treatment response.