2) Blood test - These are used to determine lung function.
3) Lung tests - These are a series of hands-on breathing exercises that will help determine the air power of the lungs, measuring their capacity, inflow and outflow, as well as how effectively they deliver oxygen to the bloodstream. Most will be done using a spirometer, which requires a patient to blow into a tube to measure lung function.
Treatment for Air Pollution-Related Diseases
Although many pollution-related diseases cannot be cured, there are some ways to help manage conditions. They include:
1) Bronchodilators. These are drugs that provide relief from coughing fits and can help with breathing issues by relaxing constricted airways. The bigger pathways will lead to better airflow.
2) Inhaled steroids. Aerosolized corticosteroid drugs are inhaled in the same manner as nasal decongestants. They also will relieve shortness of breath but all have side effects, including weakening bones and increasing the risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes and cataracts.
3) Antibiotics. These are typically used to fight acute bronchitis or pneumonia, which can be a complication of air pollution created conditions.
4) Pulmonary rehab - These are clinical Instructions on ways to cope with shortness of breath. Trained respiratory therapists will show patients breathing exercises and ways to control breathlessness.