Thanks Kim I needed that!
17 hours ago
I used to get regular bronchoscopies to monitor damage to my lungs from cancer and chemotherapy. Bronchoscopies would not tend to be in line with PH.
2 days ago
What could a scope down the throat be checking when it comes to pulmonary hypertension?
This sounds like it could be a bronchoscopy or a related procedure. While it's not one of the most common PH diagnostic tests, it can be used to get a closer look at the airways and lungs to rule out other contributing factors.
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What could a scope down the throat be checking when it comes to pulmonary hypertension?
This sounds like it could be a bronchoscopy or a related procedure. While it's not one of the most common PH diagnostic tests, it can be used to get a closer look at the airways and lungs to rule out other contributing factors.
More commonly, doctors use a combination of tests to diagnose and monitor PH, including:
- Echocardiogram – uses sound waves to see how your heart is pumping
- Right heart catheterization – the gold standard for directly measuring blood pressure in the lung's blood vessels
- CT scan or chest X-ray – detailed images of the heart and lungs
- VQ (ventilation/perfusion) scan – maps air and blood flow in the lungs to detect clots
- Pulmonary function tests – measures how well your lungs are working
- 6-minute walk test – checks oxygen levels and physical capacity
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) – measures the heart's electrical activity
The best thing to do is ask your doctor specifically why this scope is being ordered and what they're looking for. A 6-week wait can feel frustrating, but writing down your questions ahead of time can help make that appointment really count!
2 days ago
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