Diagnostic criteria for lung disease

Diagnostic criteria for lung disease typically involve assessing symptoms, medical history, physical exams, and diagnostic tests. Common symptoms include persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest pain. Doctors may use imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans, along with lung function tests to measure airflow and breathing efficiency. Sometimes additional tests, such as blood tests or biopsies, are performed. By combining this information, healthcare providers can identify specific lung diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, or lung cancer, and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for the patient.