Pulmonary Function Testing Specialist

What is pulmonary function testing?

Pulmonary function tests are procedures that measure how well you can breathe and how effectively your lungs are functioning. The purpose and process vary based on the type of test.

Spirometry

Spirometry measures the amount of air you can breathe in and out. During this test, you breathe into a mouthpiece that connects to a machine. You may have to breathe normally and with maximum effort.

Lung volume tests

Lung volume tests measure how much air your lungs can hold. Plethysmography is a standard lung volume test similar to spirometry, except it happens inside a small booth. 

Diffusion capacity test

A diffusion capacity test measures how well the air sacs in your lungs work. For this test, you breathe a harmless gas called a tracer gas. When you exhale, a machine detects how much of this gas you breathe out.

Why would I need pulmonary function testing?

Fivestar Pulmonary Associates uses pulmonary function tests to help diagnose a wide range of problems, such as:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Respiratory infections
• Chronic bronchitis
• Interstitial lung disease
• Pleural effusion
• Bronchiectasis
• Emphysema
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Lung nodules and Sarcoidosis

Your provider may also perform pulmonary function tests to determine the cause of shortness of breath, evaluate how well a treatment is working, and monitor long-term conditions like COPD. 

How should I prepare for pulmonary function testing?

Fivestar Pulmonary Associates provides you with instructions on how to prepare for your specific pulmonary function test. In general, you shouldn’t eat a heavy meal or smoke for a few hours before the test.

What are the risks of pulmonary function testing?

Pulmonary function testing may involve breathing rapidly and at maximum effort, causing temporary lightheadedness or shortness of breath. Fivestar Pulmonary Associates carefully monitors you for these side effects.

While pulmonary function testing is safe for most people, it may cause a collapsed lung in very rare cases.

Make sure to tell your provider at Fivestar Pulmonary Associates if you have a history of a collapsed lung, heart attack, heart disease, or respiratory infection. These conditions can increase your risk of complications due to pulmonary function testing.

For expertise in pulmonary function testing, call Fivestar Pulmonary Associates, or book an appointment online today.