Pulmonary function testing assesses how effectively your lungs work. There are various ways of performing pulmonary function testing, including:
A spirometer is an instrument that measures how much air is entering and exiting your lungs. Spirometry also records the air’s speed as it leaves your lungs.
Plethysmography measures the quantity of air you can hold in your lungs. It also calculates how much air is left after you breathe out as far as you can.
A gas diffusion test assesses diffusion capacity — how efficiently oxygen and carbon dioxide in your lungs move into your bloodstream.
Methacholine causes your airways to narrow, like an asthma trigger. If you experience asthma symptoms when you inhale methacholine, it indicates you have the disease.
An arterial blood gas test measures the carbon dioxide and oxygen in your arterial blood. It also records your blood’s pH level.
Exercise testing involves using a treadmill or stationary bike while attached to machines that assess your lung function.
Dr. Weinberg might also give you a bronchodilator. This drug opens up your airways, which enables him to evaluate the improvement in your lung function with medication.
Pulmonary function testing forms part of the diagnostic process. Dr. Weinberg might require you to have one or more of these tests if you’re experiencing symptoms like:
Pulmonary function testing also helps assess how well your treatment for a lung disorder is working.
Pulmonary function testing is usually a painless, in-office procedure that should only take a short time. Dr. Weinberg has a fully equipped pulmonary function testing facility on-site.
The method used for each test varies. A spirometry test requires you to breathe as directed into a mouthpiece. You might have to breathe in specific ways during pulmonary function testing. For example, breathing in deeply, holding your breath, or pushing as much air as possible out of your lungs. To learn more about pulmonary function testing, call Barry J Weinberg, MD, today or book an appointment online.