Question 1

What is Respiratory diseases?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory diseases are conditions affecting the lungs and airways, including asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and bronchitis. These conditions impair the body's ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide effectively, leading to elevated CO2 levels in the blood and metabolic imbalances. The Comprehensive Metabolic Profile is the most important test for monitoring respiratory disease complications because it detects elevated carbon dioxide levels and assesses kidney and electrolyte function.

Question 2

What causes respiratory diseases?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory diseases are caused by various factors including chronic inflammation, infections, environmental exposures, and genetic predisposition. Asthma results from airway inflammation triggered by allergens or irritants, while COPD develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles, primarily cigarette smoke. Pneumonia is caused by bacterial infections like Streptococcus pneumoniae or viral pathogens, and bronchitis results from viral infections or exposure to irritants that inflame the bronchial tubes.

Question 3

What is the best test for respiratory diseases?

Accepted Answer

The Comprehensive Metabolic Profile is the most important blood test for monitoring respiratory diseases because it detects elevated carbon dioxide levels that indicate your lungs are not effectively removing this waste product from your blood. This panel also measures kidney function through eGFR and creatinine levels, as well as electrolyte balance including sodium, potassium, and chloride, which can be disrupted by chronic lung conditions and their treatments. While respiratory diseases are diagnosed through lung function tests and imaging, this blood work is essential for monitoring how these conditions affect your overall metabolic health and preventing serious complications like respiratory acidosis.

Question 4

When should I get tested for respiratory diseases?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have been diagnosed with asthma, COPD, or other chronic lung conditions and need to monitor how these diseases affect your metabolic function. Testing is especially important if you experience worsening shortness of breath, persistent cough, increased fatigue, confusion, or swelling in your legs, as these symptoms may indicate elevated CO2 levels or kidney complications. You should also get tested if you are on long-term medications for respiratory conditions, as these can affect your electrolyte balance and kidney function.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of respiratory diseases?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory diseases cause persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness that interfere with daily activities. You might notice increased mucus production, frequent respiratory infections, fatigue, and difficulty breathing during physical activity or even at rest. In advanced cases, symptoms include bluish lips or fingernails from low oxygen levels, morning headaches from CO2 buildup, confusion, and unintended weight loss from the increased effort of breathing.

Question 6

Who is at risk for respiratory diseases?

Accepted Answer

People who smoke or have a history of smoking face the highest risk for developing COPD and chronic bronchitis. Those with family history of asthma or allergies, exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, or occupational dust and chemicals are at increased risk. Additional risk factors include frequent childhood respiratory infections, premature birth, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and weakened immune systems that make you more susceptible to pneumonia and other lung infections.

Question 7

What happens if respiratory diseases are left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated respiratory diseases progressively worsen and lead to serious complications including respiratory failure, where your lungs cannot supply enough oxygen or remove sufficient carbon dioxide from your blood. This can cause pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, frequent and severe lung infections, and permanent lung damage. Chronic oxygen deprivation damages other organs including your kidneys, heart, and brain, significantly reducing your quality of life and lifespan.

Question 8

Can respiratory diseases be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory diseases cannot be diagnosed with blood tests alone but require lung function tests like spirometry and imaging studies such as chest X-rays or CT scans. However, blood tests play a critical role in monitoring how these conditions affect your body by measuring carbon dioxide levels, kidney function, and electrolyte balance. The Comprehensive Metabolic Profile detects metabolic complications from respiratory diseases and helps your healthcare provider adjust treatment to prevent serious issues like respiratory acidosis or organ damage.

Question 9

How are respiratory diseases treated?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory diseases are treated with bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids that open airways and reduce inflammation, making breathing easier. COPD patients often require supplemental oxygen therapy, while severe asthma may need oral steroids during flare-ups. Additional treatments include antibiotics for bacterial infections like pneumonia, pulmonary rehabilitation programs combining exercise and education, and lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation, which is the most important step for slowing disease progression.

Question 10

How can I prevent respiratory diseases?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent respiratory diseases by never smoking or quitting if you currently smoke, as tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of lung disease. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, and occupational irritants by using protective equipment when necessary. Get vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia to prevent respiratory infections, maintain good hand hygiene, exercise regularly to strengthen your respiratory system, and manage conditions like GERD and allergies that can contribute to lung problems.

Question 11

What can I do at home for respiratory diseases?

Accepted Answer

You can manage respiratory diseases at home by using a humidifier to keep airways moist, practicing breathing exercises like pursed-lip breathing to improve lung function, and staying hydrated to thin mucus. Maintain a clean, dust-free environment, avoid triggers like strong perfumes and cold air, and use air purifiers to reduce indoor pollutants. Eat a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation, pace your activities to conserve energy, and elevate your head while sleeping to ease breathing at night.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Respiratory Disease Blood Test

What is Respiratory diseases?

What causes respiratory diseases?

What is the best test for respiratory diseases?

When should I get tested for respiratory diseases?

References

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