X-ray may be helpful in establishing the etiology of respiratory<unk>  as it may detect underlying disease. Findings on x-ray suggestive of pre-existing COPD include hyperinflation and a flattened diaphragm. X-ray findings suggestive of interstitial lung disease include reticular nodular shadows. Findings on x-ray suggestive of acute respiratory distress include cardiomegaly, redistribution of vessels, peribronchial cuffing, pleural effusion, lines within the septum, and bat-wing distribution of perihilar infiltrates. Finally, thoracic cage abnormalities may be detected such as kyphosis, scoliosis, pectus excavatum, fractured ribs and ankylosing spondylitis, as well as diaphragmatic paralysis.
Respiratory failure chest x ray
Farmer's lung other diagnostic studies
Aspiration pneumonia physical examination
Acute respiratory distress syndrome chest x ray
Pulmonary edema physical examination
Bronchitis chest x ray
Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency physical examination
Cough echocardiography or ultrasound