HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Can Chest X-ray Confirm The Presence Of COPD?

my doctors office called and said I had signs of moderate copd, I still smoke but my big question is can they be sure by a chest x-ray alone? and also of the stage, I believe this is stage 2. They want me to have a ct-scan but I would rather get a second opinion at this time. Having said all that, my doctor must be sure of what he sees on the x-ray but the stage and time is what is worrisome to me. I have very few symptoms but do have weight loss and feel tired.
Mon, 1 Sep 2014
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
welcome to Health care magic.
1.COPD can be and should be diagnosed based on the x-ray itself. CT is confirmatory for the diagnosing process.
2.The specific emphysematous changes in the lungs and the level of extension of the lung - lower borders can recommend staging.
3.HRCT - high resolution computer tomography will be confirmatory, So please agree with your doctor he is correct and let him proceed.
4.weight loss is not a common cause - but tiredness is expected in COPD.
5.Advise stop smoking as soon as possible. Good luck.
Hope it helps you. Wish you a good health.
Anything to ask ? do not hesitate. Thank you.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Can Chest X-ray Confirm The Presence Of COPD?

welcome to Health care magic. 1.COPD can be and should be diagnosed based on the x-ray itself. CT is confirmatory for the diagnosing process. 2.The specific emphysematous changes in the lungs and the level of extension of the lung - lower borders can recommend staging. 3.HRCT - high resolution computer tomography will be confirmatory, So please agree with your doctor he is correct and let him proceed. 4.weight loss is not a common cause - but tiredness is expected in COPD. 5.Advise stop smoking as soon as possible. Good luck. Hope it helps you. Wish you a good health. Anything to ask ? do not hesitate. Thank you.