Pulmonary Function Tests

See also Pulmonary Stress Test and Exercise-Induced Asthma Studies

Purpose
Pulmonary function tests are done to:

  • Diagnose lung diseases and breathing problems
  • Measure lung function and monitor treatment

How to Prepare
Tell your doctor about any allergies you have, medications you are taking or recent chest pains or heart attacks you have experienced. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and eat a light meal prior to the test. Do not take any inhalers four hours prior to testing.

How It Is Done
Arrive 15 minutes early to pre-register in outpatient services. Please bring your prescription with you. Relax. The test involves breathing into a computerized machine. You will be performing the test sitting down. Your doctor may also order an Arterial Blood Gas test.

A Complete Pulmonary Function test measures your lung volumes and spirometry and takes approximately 90 minutes. For a Methacholine Challenge, you will breathe into a computerized machine after inhaling different dosages of a methacholine solution. You will be monitored with blood pressure, pulse oximetry and heart rate. This test takes approximately 60 minutes.

Results
Test results will be read by your physician or a designated physician and will be available within 72 hours.

Pulmonary Stress Test and Exercise-Induced Asthma Studies

Purpose
Pulmonary Stress Test and Exercise-Induced Asthma Studies are done to:

  • Help explain effort-related symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain.
  • Assess reactivity of the airways to exercise.

How to Prepare
Bring your current medication list. Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers. Eat a light meal and do not take inhalers or nebulizers (bring them with you).

How It Is Done
You will be exercising on a treadmill accordingly to your health and fitness level.

For a Comprehensive Metabolic Stress Test: A mouthpiece will be attached to a computer while you walk on the treadmill. You will breathe in and out though the mouthpiece while at rest, exercise and cool down. You will be monitored using a heart monitor and pulse oximetry. The test will take 60 minutes.

For a Simple Pulmonary Stress Test: You will walk on a treadmill for six minutes. You will be monitored with a heart monitor, pulse oximetry and end-tidal C02 monitors. The test will take 45 minutes.

For an Exercise-Induced Asthma Study: You will breathe forcefully into a computerized machine and then exercise intensively on a treadmill. Repeat breaths into the computer after exercise to see if airway restriction is present. Breathing medication is given and then repeated breaths into the computer. Measurements of Fev1 are taken at rest, after exercise and after breathing bronchodilator medication.

Results
Test results will be read by your physician or a designated physician and be available within 72 hours.