Your doctor may also recommend tests to rule out other causes of your symptoms. These tests include:
Bronchodilator reversibility testing. This test uses the spirometer and medications called bronchodilators. Bronchodilators work by relaxing tightened muscles around the airways and opening up airways quickly to ease breathing. Your doctor will use the results of this test to see if your lung problems are being caused by another lung condition, such as asthma. However, since airways may also be constricted with COPD, your doctor can use the results of this test to help set your treatment goals.
Other pulmonary function testing. These types of test may include diffusion capacity testing.
Chest x-ray. A chest x-ray is a picture of your lungs. A chest x-ray may be done to see if another disease, like heart failure, may be causing your symptoms.
Arterial blood gas. This is a blood test that shows the oxygen level in your blood. It is measured in patients with severe COPD to see if oxygen treatment is recommended.
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