Physical examination for copd & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is a physical check for copd?

Chronic obstuctive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease that makes it difficult for sufferers to breathe. This disease occurs due to complications of two diseases caused by smoking: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Over time, this disease can cause shortness of breath and heart problems.

COPD cannot be cured, but medications and lifestyle changes can reduce the risk. The best way is to quit smoking.

Your medical history will also help diagnose COPD.

When should I have a physical exam for COPD?

A medical history can help your doctor in diagnosing this disease. Usually the doctor will carry out regular periodic checks.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before undergoing a physical exam for COPD?

Heart disease can be associated with COPD and its symptoms. It is very important to remember, smoking can put you at risk of heart disease or COPD. A heart exam can detect heartbeat and heart failure.

The size of the liver can become enlarged sometimes as a result of right-sided heart failure (cos pulmonale).

Cardiac examination results usually vary. Not everyone is at risk for COPD symptoms.

Process

What should I do before undergoing a physical exam for COPD?

You should tell your doctor about your medical history (diagnosis and treatment) in detail and completely. Even though the disease has been cured and you think it is not important, it will help your doctor to diagnose low back pain. This medical history is also very helpful for your doctor in deciding which treatment is right for you.

In addition to your medical history, you should also tell your doctor about any medications you have taken. If you can, bring a complete list of these drugs and their dosages.

What is the physical check process for copd?

The doctor will ask about the following questions regarding the history of the drugs you have taken:

Shortness of breath

• When was the first time you felt short of breath (during exercise or rest)?
• How often do you experience shortness of breath?
• How long have you been short of breath? Is it getting worse?
• How far can you walk, and how hard can you climb before you get short of breath?

Cough

• How often do you cough?
• How long have you been coughing? Is it bad?
• Is your cough with phlegm? What color is it?
• Has your cough ever been bleeding?

Other questions:

• Do you or your housemates use tobacco? Are you a smoker? How many cigarettes do you consume a day? How long have you quit smoking? How did you feel after quitting smoking? And another question.
• Irritation due to exposure to dust or chemicals in the workplace.
• Respiratory disorders as a child or have a family history of respiratory problems.
• Treatment of other health conditions.
• Health impact on your performance: whether it is interrupting your routine or whether you are depressed.
• Medicines that you have or are currently taking.
• The family and social environment in which you live.

During a physical exam, your doctor will also examine your body for signs that cause COPD symptoms to appear. The physical exam includes:

• measure body temperature, weight and height (according to BMI numbers)
• check the ear, eye, nose, and throat for signs of infection
• check your heart and lungs with a stethoscope
• check the blood in the neck veins, which may lead to heart problems, for example cor pulmonale
• pressing the stomach
• checking your fingers and lips for discoloration (cyanosis)
• checking your finger for swelling or checking your nails for clubbing
• check the feet to the toes for swelling (edema)

What should I do after undergoing a physical exam for COPD?

Physical examination is not always painful, but some parts of the body will feel uncomfortable, such as the abdomen (abdominal palpation). The doctor will tell you your condition and provide the right treatment. Sometimes the doctor will do further tests. Follow the recommendations given by your doctor.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

Your medical history can put you at risk of triggering COPD and it can even make your COPD disease worse. The following are indications that arise due to COPD:

• barrel chest occurs (blocked airway)
• hard to breathe
• took a long time to exhale
• breathing is abnormal

Some physical examinations will also help your doctor detect how severe your COPD is. Here are the signs:

• use of the muscles accessory (such as the neck muscles) at rest
• breathe through the mouth
• difficulty speaking without breathing
• discoloration of the fingertips and nails (cyanosis)
• swelling of the abdomen and legs