What causes lung disease?

Lung disease is caused by smoking tobacco, exposure to environmental pollutants like cadmium and asbestos, bacterial and viral infections, autoimmune inflammation, and genetic predisposition. Chronic inhalation of cigarette smoke damages the airways and lung tissue, leading to COPD and emphysema. Occupational exposure to toxic metals, dust, and fumes can cause bronchiolitis and chronic lung damage, while infections like pneumonia and tuberculosis trigger acute inflammation and scarring in lung tissue.

What is the best test for lung disease?

The Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase (LDH) test is the most important blood test for lung disease because it detects tissue damage from pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and other lung conditions. When lung cells are injured or destroyed, they release LDH into the bloodstream, making elevated levels a key indicator of active lung damage. The Cadmium Blood test is essential for people with occupational or environmental exposure to identify toxic metal damage causing bronchiolitis and emphysema. The Nicotine and Cotinine Urine test measures tobacco exposure, which is critical for assessing risk factors for COPD and lung cancer.

When should I get tested for lung disease?

You should get tested if you experience persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, shortness of breath during normal activities, chest pain or tightness, coughing up blood or mucus, recurrent respiratory infections, or wheezing. People who smoke or have smoked, work in environments with dust or chemical fumes, or have a family history of lung disease should get tested even without symptoms. Early testing helps detect lung damage before it becomes severe and irreversible.

What are the symptoms of lung disease?

Symptoms of lung disease include chronic cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, frequent respiratory infections, fatigue, unintended weight loss, and coughing up blood or colored mucus. COPD causes progressive breathlessness and a persistent cough with phlegm, while pneumonia presents with sudden fever, chills, and sharp chest pain when breathing. Lung cancer may cause hoarseness, bone pain, and clubbing of the fingers in advanced stages.

Who is at risk for lung disease?

Current and former smokers face the highest risk for lung disease, particularly COPD and lung cancer. People exposed to secondhand smoke, occupational hazards like asbestos, silica dust, coal dust, or cadmium fumes are at increased risk. Those with a family history of lung disease, chronic asthma, recurrent respiratory infections, or autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis have elevated risk. Air pollution and indoor pollutants like radon gas also contribute to lung disease development.

What happens if lung disease is left untreated?

Untreated lung disease progressively worsens, leading to severe breathing difficulty, respiratory failure, and reduced quality of life. COPD causes irreversible airway damage that makes breathing increasingly difficult, eventually requiring supplemental oxygen. Chronic lung infections can spread to the bloodstream causing sepsis, while untreated lung cancer metastasizes to other organs. Severe lung disease increases the risk of heart failure, blood clots, collapsed lung, and premature death.

Can lung disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Blood tests cannot diagnose most lung diseases directly, but they provide crucial supporting information about tissue damage, inflammation, and underlying risk factors. The LDH test detects lung tissue damage from pneumonia and pulmonary embolism, while the Cadmium Blood test identifies toxic metal exposure causing lung disease. Blood tests measuring inflammatory markers and autoimmune antibodies help assess complications and monitor disease progression. Definitive diagnosis requires chest X-rays, CT scans, and pulmonary function tests combined with blood work.

How is lung disease treated?

Treatment for lung disease depends on the specific condition and severity. COPD is managed with bronchodilator inhalers, corticosteroids, pulmonary rehabilitation, and oxygen therapy in advanced cases. Bacterial pneumonia requires antibiotics, while viral pneumonia is treated with supportive care and antiviral medications. Lung cancer treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Quitting smoking, avoiding lung irritants, staying current with vaccinations, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are essential for all lung disease management.

How can I prevent lung disease?

Never smoke or quit smoking immediately to prevent lung disease, as tobacco use is the leading preventable cause. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, occupational dust, chemical fumes, and air pollutants by using protective equipment and ensuring proper ventilation. Get vaccinated against pneumonia and influenza to prevent respiratory infections. Exercise regularly to strengthen lung capacity, maintain a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, and test your home for radon gas to reduce lung cancer risk.

What natural remedies help with lung disease?

Natural approaches to support lung health include practicing deep breathing exercises and pursed-lip breathing to improve oxygen exchange and strengthen respiratory muscles. Staying well-hydrated helps thin mucus for easier clearance, while using a humidifier adds moisture to dry air that can irritate airways. Consuming anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, green tea, and omega-3 rich fish may reduce lung inflammation. However, these remedies complement but do not replace medical treatment for diagnosed lung disease.

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.

How do I know which test to get?

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.

When will my lab results be available?

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.

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?

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.

Do you accept health insurance?

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.

Can I cancel my order?

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.

How can I find a lab location near me?

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.

Lung Disease Blood Test | Private MD Labs

Lung Disease Blood Test

What is Lung Disease?

Lung disease encompasses conditions affecting the respiratory system, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and lung cancer. These conditions are caused by smoking, environmental toxins like cadmium, bacterial infections, autoimmune inflammation, and genetic factors. The Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase (LDH) test is the most important blood test for lung disease because it detects tissue damage from pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and other lung conditions.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

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!

754-799-7833

[email protected]