Pulmonary Function Testing
-
- Tweet
TruDoc Medical LLC
Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine & Sleep Medicine located in Clifton, NJ & Denville, NJ
Pulmonary function testing is one of the main ways to diagnose and evaluate lung diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). TruDoc Medical LLC offers comprehensive pulmonary function testing at its Clifton, New Jersey, office. Triple board-certified Bassel Noumi, MD, and the team of pulmonary function testing experts are ready to help in the state-of-the-art lab, so call the office or schedule online now.
Pulmonary Function Testing Q & A
What is pulmonary function testing?
Pulmonary function testing evaluates your lungs in a variety of ways. Usually, the first pulmonary function test you have is spirometry.
This test involves breathing in and out deeply through a mouthpiece. Spirometry measures the quantity of air you can inhale and exhale and also how long it takes to exhale.
You repeat this short process a few times to get an accurate reading. If you have a condition like asthma, you may have spirometry testing twice. Once without any medication, and then again after you use an airway-opening medication. If there's a significant difference in the two results, the TruDoc Medical LLC team may diagnose asthma at that time.
You may also need other pulmonary function tests to determine the reason for your symptoms. These other tests include:
- Lung volume test - assesses the amount of air you can hold
- Diffusion studies - measures how efficiently oxygen enters your blood
- Pulse oximetry - measures oxygen levels in the blood
- Arterial blood gas test - measures blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels
- Fractional exhaled nitric oxide test - checks how much nitric oxide you expel
You may need a combination of tests based on your symptoms and suspected health issues. Pulmonary function testing can help to diagnose asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (bronchitis and emphysema), and other chronic respiratory illnesses.
When might I need pulmonary function testing?
Pulmonary function testing is a major part of the diagnostic process if you have certain symptoms, such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest discomfort or tightness
- Wheezing
- Chronic cough
Additionally, you may need pulmonary function testing to check your lungs prior to surgery or to determine how well your current medications are working.
The TruDoc Medical LLC team compares your pulmonary function test results from one appointment to the next, over a period of years, to accurately track your condition and health.
How do I prepare for pulmonary function testing?
The TruDoc Medical LLC team reviews your current medications with you before your scheduled pulmonary function test appointment. You may need to discontinue certain medications temporarily, as they may skew results.
TruDoc Medical LLC has a state-of-the-art pulmonary function testing lab where the team can expertly diagnose and monitor your health. Call the office or book an appointment using online scheduling now.