| Pulmonary Function Tests are various tests that measure the lung capacity and degree of obstruction or restriction. |
Pulmonary function testing has diagnostic and therapeutic roles and helps clinicians answer some general questions about patients with lung disease.
Tests may be used to:
- Diagnose certain types of lung disease i.e. Asthma, bronchitis, emphysema.
- Distinguish between restrictive and obstructive lung disease.
- Find the cause of shortness of breath.
- Evaluate occupational exposure.
- Assess lung status prior to surgery.
- Track progress in disease management.
- Evaluate the severity of lung disease.
- Monitor the course of lung disease.
- Monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
Pre Test Instructions:
- You must refrain from smoking 4-6 hours prior to test.
- Refrain from eating a heavy meal 2-4 hours prior to testing.
- If possible, avoid using bronchodilators or other drugs for 24 hours prior to the test or as specified by your healthcare provider before this test.
- Your practitioner will advise you of Specific Medication Avoidance required for Methacholine and Exercise Challenge.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that doesn't restrict breathing.
- Loose-fitting dentures may be removed.
What to expect during test:
- Your age, sex, height, and weight are recorded in order to calculate expected test values.
- A tight fitting clip is placed on your nose to prevent the air from escaping through the nostrils.
- You will be asked to place your mouth tightly around a mouth piece and the therapist will instruct you to perform various breathing maneuvers: taking a deep breath, holding it briefly, panting, and/or forcefully blowing the air out through the mouthpiece.
- Medication may be given to assess response to a bronchodilator.
- Methacholine challenge requires administration via inhalation of a challenge agent.
- Exercise challenge requires the patient to exercise on a treadmill or bicycle to achieve and sustain a target heart rate for a specified time.
- Results of the test will be read by a pulmonologist. Your practitioner will follow up with results at your next appointment, or sooner if required.
Appointments are Required
Please contact Respiratory Care at 563-927-7354 to schedule your appointment. When you come for your appointment, enter through the Main Entrance on the west side of the hospital and register at Lab/Radiology/Respiratory Care, located just past the Auxiliary Gift Shop. Please wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes and bring a copy of your medications with you.
Please note that Exercise and Methacholine challenge test require special medication avoidance. Consult your practitioner with questions regarding questions on medication avoidance.