If the virus becomes active after being latent, it causes the disorder known as shingles, or herpes zoster. The virus spreads in the ganglion and to the nerves connecting to it. Nerves most often affected are those in the face or the trunk. The virus can also spread to the spinal cord and into the bloodstream.
About this Procedure. The sniff test is a fluoroscopic exam used to check how the diaphragm (the muscle that controls breathing) moves during activities such as breathing normally and inhaling rapidly. Your diaphragm normally moves down when you inhale, and up when you exhale.
Your doctor will know which test is best for your situation. In some cases, the doctor may take an X-ray to see the structures inside your chest, including the heart, lungs, and bones. A chest X-ray is a good test to diagnose pneumonia. It can't, though, identify most breathing problems by itself. For some people with breathing problems, a CT scan of the chest is needed. This scan looks for any problems in the lungs. A CT scan uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images.