Smoker’s Test at Home

About the Smokers Test

Smokers are vulnerable to various health diseases, particularly those related to the lungs. The smoke effect in your lungs causes cold, cough, asthma and wheezing which are primary lung cancer symptoms or symptoms of some life threatening diseases caused due to smoking. It is advisable to get a lung test done when you notice these symptoms. Diseases such as pneumonia, emphysema and lung cancer are common among heavy smokers. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and lung cancer are seen to be the highest cause of deaths due to smoking. It is important to take any lung test for smokers in regular intervals, such as pft test (pulmonary function test) and lung function test. Smoking is a major factor for lung cancer causes, thus it is important to take lung test for smokers in India.
There are different kinds of medical smoke testing that can be done to detect any cancer symptoms, lung infection or lung diseases. Here are some of the lung tests that you can have done to determine the state of your lung function.

1. Spirometry or PFT Test

Spirometry also known as the PFT test (Pulmonary Function Test), is the most basic lung test taken to detect how effectively your lungs function. Spirometry test for smokers is a simple breathing test that involves the patient to blow or exhale or inhale into a machine to determine how much of air in moving in and out of your lungs detecting your lung capacity. The simplest way to increase your lung capacity is to quit smoking, however, it takes a good amount of time.

Some ways to get ready for the test are:

1. Do not eat large meals before the test
2. Avoid caffeine before the test
3. Wear loose fitting clothes for easy breathing
4. Consult your doctor if you need to stop taking any medications that you may be taking for chronic bronchitis or asthma before the pft test

Risks involved in PFT or Spirometry test are:

• It is best to avoid taking this rest if you have recently had any heart or chest surgery.
• Other respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis may cause trouble or discomfort while taking this test.

This test is the primary test taken to detect lungs cancer, lung fibrosis, esophaegal cancer and other interstitial lung diseases.

2. Chest X-Ray

Chest X-rays are recommended to smokers on a regular basis. The X-ray provides a photo-like image of your lungs and heart and helps in detecting any blood vessel problems caused due to smoking such as blocked arteries and other lung cancer related diseases which are more susceptible in smokers lungs.

3. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

Smoking not only affects the lungs, but has several effects on the heart as well. Properties such as carbon monoxide in tobacco bind with the haemoglobin in the RBC (Red blood cells) preventing blood from entering your heart. This disrupts the regular functioning of your heart and may also result in clogging blood vessels and blocking arteries. The ECG tests the regularity and speed of your heart beat and helps in detecting any possible problems at an earlier stage.
While there is a misconception that smoking only has adverse effects on the lungs, smokers tend to miss the possibility of some heart related diseases. Thus, it is advisable for chain-smokers and long time smokers to get an ECG test done regularly.

4. Diabetes Screening

The fact that smokers are more prone to diabetes is a lesser known fact among many. Smoking makes your body more resistant to insulin leading to higher levels of blood sugar. This in turn results as type 2 diabetes which may be the underlying cause for several other problems such as heart and kidney diseases.
Any of the following test for smokers may be prescribed by your doctor to take:

1. Fasting blood glucose levels
2. Oral glucose tolerance
3. Haemoglobin A1c

If you quit smoking, it will be easier to reduce the risks of diabetes. However, alongside, regular exercise is also required.

5. Vitamin D blood test or Nicotine Tests

A blood test can determine several aspects of your health condition. The two most common blood tests for smokers are the Vitamin D and Nicotine test.

Why Vitamin D Test?

Extremely low levels of Vitamin D in the blood have been associated with several lung diseases. A deficiency of this vitamin leads to trouble in the lung function. Thus, helps in detecting problems related to the lungs, such as lung infection or lung cancer among smokers.

Nicotine Test

A Nicotine test is generally taken for legal reasons such as while joining a new job or court demands. This test determines the levels of Nicotine in the blood and can be taken through a urine test, blood test or saliva test.

Effects of Smoking

Tobacco consumption continues to be the leading preventable cause of death in this world. It has some adverse effects on health which is well known to almost everyone, yet is an addictive life threatening drug. Some of the visible effects of smoking that are lesser known are:

1. Unhealthy dental health
2. Bronchitis
3. Loss of appetite
4. High cholesterol levels
5. Wrinkly skin
6. Infertility
7. Erectile dysfunction
8. Blood clotting

There are numerous consequences of smoking that affects the body. It is advisable to quit smoking at the earliest stage possible.

Preparation Required for the Test?

Fasting is Required for the test. Ideally you should not eat anything at for 12 hrs before the test.

How Much Does the Smoker’s Test Cost?

Normaly smoker’s test costs around Rs2,500 but if you take the test package provided by portea it costs only Rs1,200.

Different Tests Included In The Smoker’s Package

Different tests included in the smoker’s package are as follows:

• Hb, WBC count, Neutrophils,
• ESR, basophils, RBC count,
• FBS, MCV, MCH, Platelet count
• Hs-CRP, Monocytes, Eosinophils
• Vitamin D, Lymphocytes, Hematocrit

Add On Tests:*

• PFT,
• Chest – Xray,
• ECG

Normaly the add on tests cost around Rs4,040 but if you take the test package provided by portea it costs only Rs2,199.

Test Report

The test report is delivered around 36 to 48 hours after the test.

How Can Portea Help?

At Portea, we aim to serve the community by making medical services and procedures easily accessible. We provide a thorough consultation and all required medical tests and screenings from start to finish, making your medical journey a smooth one. With top of the game facilities and experts, we are here to take care of your lung related problems and help you get your health back on track.

FAQ

Q-Can normal blood test detect smoking?

A-Yes, a medical test that looks for nicotine in your blood, saliva, urine, or hair can inform your doctor if you occasionally smoke. Nicotine is absorbed into your blood when you smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke.

Q-Does nicotine show up in a normal blood test?

A-No, Nicotine does not show in Normal Blood Test. Blood test for smoking are nicotine test or cotinine test is used to detect Nicotine or its metabollites in the blood. Nicotine test or cotinine blood tests reveal nicotine and its metabolites, such as cotinine and anabasine. Cotinine can be detected in the blood for up to three weeks, whereas nicotine can only stay there for 48 hours.