Obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic bronchitis with emphysema are related but not identical conditions. Hakimakhon Savriddinova, Chief pulmonologist of the Ministry of Health of Tajikistan, told Asia-Plus about the differences between these diseases, their symptoms and treatment methods.
– What diagnostic methods are most effective for the diagnosis and monitoring of obstructive pulmonary disease?
– For the diagnosis and monitoring of obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), several key methods are the most effective.
First, spirometry is important, which allows you to assess lung volume and exhalation rate, which helps to determine the degree of obstruction and assess its severity. Peak fluometry is also used to estimate peak air flow and monitor changes over time.
Clinical symptoms and the patient's medical history play a significant role in the diagnosis. In addition, chest X-ray and computed tomography can be used in the diagnosis, which help to exclude other diseases and assess structural changes in the lungs.
Blood tests and measurement of alpha-1-anti-Trypsin levels are useful. In addition to diagnosis and monitoring, there is an assessment of symptoms and control of their severity using questionnaires such as CAT (COPD Assessment Test) and MMRC (Modified Medical Research Council).
All this together helps to create a complete picture of the patient's condition and the effectiveness of the treatment.
The most common symptoms of COPD are difficulty breathing, chronic cough (sometimes with sputum separation) and a feeling of fatigue. Sometimes the symptoms of COPD worsen dramatically. These are the so-called episodes of exacerbation of the disease.
– Where is this examination conducted in Dushanbe? How much does it cost?
– The examination is carried out in the NMC "Shifobakhsh" (6th building) and in the diagnostic department of the Cardiocenter in Dushanbe, as well as in the Republican Diagnostic Center, the diagnostic department of the expert center for the Disabled (7th building "Shifobakhsh", Karabolo), the diagnostic department of the Istiklol medical institution and the Center for Antisilitic Diseases (Machiton).
In addition, the examination is carried out in the city of Bokhtar, Khujand and regional hospitals. In the Bustan and B. Gafurov districts, the examination is carried out in district hospitals.
Spirometric examination in these hospitals officially costs 10 somoni. Spirometry is used to assess external respiration and includes several indicators that doctors analyze to make a diagnosis.
For other examinations, such as: a general blood test, sputum analysis, chest X-ray and, if necessary, computed tomography, the cost will be approximately 500 somoni.
