How is BE diagnosed?
BE is commonly diagnosed by a pulmonologist, who may:
Review your medical history: a check of your past conditions and current symptoms (your doctor may call this a clinical evaluation)
Confirm with a CT scan: a type of chest scan that creates detailed images of your lungs to help show damage
Part of your doctor’s assessment may also include the following:
Run a blood test: a way for your doctor to determine why you have BE and help with a treatment plan
Take a sputum sample: a sputum culture will see what kinds of bacteria are causing your infection
Test your lung function: a way for doctors to see how well your lungs work by measuring how much air you can exhale
You may feel you’re doing all you can for your BE, but continuing to speak up can make a difference, especially if you aren’t getting the information or answers you need. Remember that some doctors have more experience with BE than others, so it may help to find a doctor who has seen and treated many people with BE.
Find a pulmonologist in your area
“I knew something was wrong. This wasn’t normal. And I just had to keep pushing and keep advocating and not stopping. Just because you don’t know what it is, doesn’t mean it’s not happening.”
—Allison
Have questions about BE? Prepare for your doctor’s visit.
Use these questions as a guide to prepare for your next doctor’s appointment.
Important BE questions for your next doctor’s visit
- Living with BE makes me feel (insert your feelings). BE makes it hard to (describe an activity). What can I do differently to manage my BE?
- How often should I check in with you, and how often do I need to schedule follow-up visits?
- What are our goals? What will we measure to track how I’m doing?
- Are there any dietary changes I should consider to help manage my symptoms?
Screenshot these questions or save the full Doctor Discussion Guide so you have them handy for your next appointment
Get the Doctor Discussion Guide
