Diagnosis and Treatment
Fortunately, there are treatments available to ease and comfort those suffering from the above afflictions. A series of tests is necessary to determine if you have a breathing disorder caused by pollution. These include:
1) Imaging tests - An X-ray may not provide total evidence because X-rays can often be fooled and show normal results. Thus, a medical professional may recommend a CT (computerized tomography) scan.
2) Blood test - Samples will be drawn from an extremity, usually an artery in the wrist, to better determine how well the lungs function.
3) Lung tests - These are a series of exercises that will determine the air power of lungs, measuring their capacity and flow, as well as how effectively they deliver oxygen to the bloodstream. The most common tests involve a spirometer, which you blow into to measure lung function. All of these tests are non-invasive.
Although many pollution-caused diseases have no cure, there are effective ways to help patients manage them. They include:
1) Bronchodilators. The drug provides coughing relief and can help with breathing issues by relaxing the constricted airways, creating bigger pathways for airflow.
2) Inhaled steroids. These are aerosolized corticosteroid drugs that are inhaled, much as nasal decongestants are used. They will relieve shortness of breath, but they have side effects, including weakening bones and increasing the likely development of high blood pressure, diabetes and cataracts.