8 Tests Every Smoker Needs to Take – News18

Lung Disease, Heart Disease and various other life threatening diseases are a major consequence of Smoking. Your best and safest bet to save the life of you and your loved ones would be to Quit Smoking. When you smoke you put yourself and the people around you at a greater risk of serious disorders.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Head of Department & Sr. Consultant, Department of Medical Oncology, SHALBY Sanar International Hospitals, Gurugram recommends 8 tests that every smoker needs to undergo:

1. Chest X rayA very important investigation for a smoker. The X-ray provides an image of your chest and helps in detecting any issues caused due to smoking.
2. SpirometryAlso known as the Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) is a simple breathing test involves the patient blowing and inhaling into a machine to determine how much air is moving in and out of your lungs.
3. CT ScanLow-Dose Computed Tomography (LD-CT) scan helps to detect major issues like lung cancer. It provides better diagnostic images allowing doctors to detect problems, such as lung cancer, in earlier stages.
4. High-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (Hs-CRP) testThis is a blood test that finds lower levels of C-Reactive Protein and measures general levels of inflammation in your body. It can be used to find if people are at risk for heart disease and stroke.
5. ElectrocardiogramIt may help detect any complications in a smoker’s heart. It tests the regularity and heart beat and helps in detecting any possible heart problems at an earlier stage.
6. Diabetes screeningSmoking makes the body more resistant to insulin leading to higher levels of blood sugar. This is the reason why a diabetes screening test is also recommended.
7. Vitamin D Blood testAbove 40 years of age and a smoker? Then you must go for this test. As a matter of fact, most smokers generally have a low amount of Vitamin D in blood.
8. Kidney Function TestsIf you smoke, you’re more likely to develop chronic kidney disease (CKD). There is a higher risk if you have diabetes or heart disease. There are no early symptoms of CKD, so getting screened is important.Understand what you’re putting your body through and seek help from professionals. Screening and early detection can save your life and quitting tobacco today can lead to a better quality of life tomorrow.