Lung Procedures, Tests & Treatments
This resource was originally published by the American Lung Association here.
Depending on your symptoms and diagnosis, your doctor might recommend a lung test or procedure. Use the glossary or search field below to learn more about various procedures.
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Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is a technique used to look at your air passages with a small camera that is located at the end of a flexible tube.
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Chest Tube Procedure
A chest tube is a plastic tube that is used to drain fluid or air from the chest.
CT Scan
Cat scan or CT scan, is a diagnostic test that uses a series of computerized views taken from different angles to create detailed internal pictures of your body.
CT Scan-Guided Lung Biopsy
Radiologists use a CT scan-guided lung biopsy to guide a needle through the chest wall and into the lung nodule to obtain and examine tissue.
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Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)
EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound) bronchoscopy is a procedure used to diagnose different types of lung disorders, including inflammation, infections or cancer.
Exhaled Nitric Oxide Test
An exhaled nitric oxide level test can help diagnose and manage asthma.
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Lobectomy
A lobectomy is a surgical procedure where an entire lobe of your lung is removed for a variety of reasons that may include a lung cancer diagnosis, infection, COPD or benign tumors.
Lung Function Tests
Lung function tests (or pulmonary function tests) include a variety of tests that check how well the lungs work.
Lung Transplant
Lung transplantation is a treatment option for some lung disease patients. A lung transplant is a very serious procedure and it is important to learn as much as you can about the process if you think it might be right for you.
Lung Volume Reduction Surgery
Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is a procedure designed to help you breathe easier when your lungs have been damaged by severe COPD.
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Methacholine Challenge Test
Methacholine challenge test (also known as bronchoprovocation test) is performed to evaluate how “reactive” or “responsive” your lungs are to things in the environment.
Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery
Minimally invasive thoracic surgery is a way of performing surgery in the chest through small incisions, without making large cuts or incisions in the body, and does not require spreading apart of the ribs.
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Getting Started with Oxygen
Oxygen therapy may be an important part of your treatment if you have lung disease. Learn how to get started using oxygen therapy.
How Can Oxygen Help Me?
Oxygen therapy can help people with lung disease feel better and be more active. Learn about the ways oxygen therapy can help improve your quality of life.
Oxygen Delivery Devices and Accessories
Learn about the different types of home oxygen and the accessories you use for each.
Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen therapy is a treatment that provides you with supplemental oxygen.
Supporting Someone on Oxygen
It can be a big adjustment for someone to start using oxygen therapy. The support of a friend or loved one can make the transition much easier. Read what real patients and caregivers have to say about supporting someone on oxygen.
Traveling with Oxygen
It may take more planning, but many people successfully travel while using oxygen therapy. Learn some key points to consider before you travel with oxygen.
Using Oxygen at Home
It is easy to get started using oxygen therapy at home. Make sure you read the instructions from your oxygen company and then follow these steps to get started.
Using Oxygen Safely
Oxygen therapy can be an important part of treatment for people living with lung disease. It is important to learn how to use oxygen therapy safely so you can protect yourself and those around you from harm.
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Pulse Oximetry
The pulse oximeter, or Pulse Ox, is an electronic device that measures the saturation of oxygen carried in your red blood cells.
The Basics of Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR/Rehab) can help people with chronic lung disease improve lung function, reduce symptoms and improve quality of life through exercise and education.
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Six-Minute Walk Test
The six-minute walk test is used as a simple measure of aerobic exercise capacity.
Spirometry
Spirometry is the most common type of pulmonary function or breathing test that measures how much air you can breathe in and out of your lungs.
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Thoracotomy
A thoracotomy is a surgical procedure in which a cut is made between the ribs to see and reach the lungs or other organs in the chest or thorax.
