Get informed about these 5 most important medical tests that a smoker should not neglect in order to keep good health and avoid grave consequences. These are the screenings that you need to keep on the lookout for so as to remain healthy.
Tobacco dependency causes lots of diseases and ailments; many of them hide deep within the person. If you are a smoker, there is a need to monitor your health status so as to identify any complications in the early stages. Here are 5 medical tests you need to take regardless of the damage caused by smoking to your body:
1. Chest X-ray
It will not be out of place to present a chest X-ray in order to follow the state of your lungs. Some of the patterns of the lung were used for diagnosing major lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and even lung cancer. Chest X-rays taken periodically can help detect some lung damage or disease when they are still in their early stages and therefore can be remedied easily.
2. Lung Function Test (Spirometry)
Spirometry helps know how effectively your lungs are working by how much and how fast you breathe in and out. This test is useful in diagnosing illnesses that are prevalent in smokers, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It can also be used to monitor the development of lung diseases and the efficacy of such treatment.
3. CT Scan of Lungs
A CT scan gives the radiologist a more clear and improved picture of the lungs in contrast to the regular X-ray. It is mainly used for additional examinations if there are some irregularities and if you are a heavy smoker. This test can be used in the screening of lung cancer and other related severe diseases at an early stage.
4. Blood Tests
Several routine blood tests can be used to monitor general health and screen for smoking. Key tests include:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Checks on general health and identifies diseases, including anemia and infections.
- Lipid Profile: Used to determine the level of cholesterol in the body, which is a factor for heart diseases, and these are prevalent in smokers.
- Carboxyhemoglobin Levels: Measures the amount of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood, which is higher in smokers, and determines how smoking is harming your organism
5. Heart Health Screening
This is because smokers are more likely to acquire cardiovascular illnesses. A checkup that includes a blood pressure check, a cholesterol test, and an ECG test will assist monitor the heart’s health and identify any issues such as excessive blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and irregular heartbeats.
However, smokers must guarantee that their health does not suffer. A few of those tests can be utilized to diagnose an issue if it exists and there are systems in place to handle it properly. To maintain excellent health and avoid life-threatening illnesses, talk to your doctor about these tests.
