DLCO
What exactly is DLCO? Mine is high as noted on pulmonary test.
Hi. Great question. We have an article that should answer your question. I will post it here (https://copd.net/clinical/diffusion-test) so you can check it out if you want. Does this help? John. asthma.net community moderator.
Hi Mike - this is a good question- thanks for posting it here in the forums section.
A DLCO (diffusing capacity of the lung using carbon monoxide), is a lung function test that helps to determine the proper function of the lung as it relates to gas exchange.
If you would like to read more about it, we have a good article, published on our (free) COPD.net community website, which speaks to the topic. For your convenience, here is a link to that article: https://copd.net/clinical/diffusion-test.
I do hope the information is helpful for you in a practical way.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)Thanks for the info. Your article shows DLCO will show decrease for COPD. That is not what the results showed. High.
This article shows the exact same numbers you shown. But says high DLCO could show asthma if anything. Think this article is incorrect?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556149/
High DLCO is seen in conditions like obesity, asthma, which are characterized by large lung volumes
hi there! The purpose of the test is to rule in/out COPD. A spirometry test is used to diagnose both asthma and COPD.
Many medications are used for both asthma and COPD, such as albuterol. Some people have both conditions, known as asthma COPD overlap syndrome. It sounds like you have a helpful pharmacist. Have you asked your doctor for additional tests, or to explain the results of the DCLO test and next steps? ~ Lorene, team memberI can’t say here as I was told I can’t. So I am not allowed to answer your question. My medical care is in a word, special. That being said I have asked many questions for 12 years. The answers I received are, I am not allowed to say.
