Pulmonary Function Testing

Name: Pulmonary Function Testing
Brand: Meliora Healthcare
Rating: 5 (8 reviews)

Evaluate the overall health and function of your lungs with pulmonary function testing in Naples, FL.

Evaluate your lungs with Pulmonary Function Testing in Naples, FL

We offer exercise and lung function testing to diagnose lung disease, determine your oxygen needs and help manage your breathing problems. If you believe that you’re suffering from a lung problem or are healthy and just want to evaluate your lung capacity, call Meliora Healthcare to schedule a visit.

What Is Pulmonary Function Testing?

Pulmonary function testing is a type of non-invasive testing performed to evaluate the overall health and performance of the lungs. These tests measure things like lung capacity, volume, rates of flow, and gas exchange. This information can be used by our expert pulmonologists to diagnose certain lung conditions, including the following:

Asthma
Pulmonary fibrosis
Narrowing of the trachea
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Weakened breathing muscles

We perform the following tests

Spirometry

This is the most common type of pulmonary function or breathing test. This test measures how much air you can breathe in and out of your lungs, as well as how easily and fast you can the blow the air out of your lungs

Plethysmography

This test measures how much air goes into and out of your lungs when you breathe and the size of your lungs.

Diffusing Capacity (DLCO)

This is a measurement to assess the lungs ability to transfer gas from the air into the bloodstream

Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)

Increased levels of nitric oxide are associated with swelling of lung airways. This test can help diagnose and manage asthma.

Simple Pulmonary Stress Test

Also called a six minute walk test, this test measures functional status or fitness and is a simple measure of aerobic exercise capacity.

During pulmonary function testing, the patient is monitored closely by one of our respiratory therapists as they’re instructed to inhale and exhale in different ways. As they breathe through their mouth and into the mouthpiece, the doctor can evaluate their lung health and performance.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Pulmonary Function Testing?

There are many different reasons why pulmonary function tests may be done. They are sometimes done in healthy people as part of a routine physical or for evaluation of lung strength before surgical procedures. They are also routinely done in certain types of work environments to ensure employee health. Most patients will undergo pulmonary function tests to further evaluate symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheeze, chronic cough, or chest pain. Our specialists will talk with you about your health, medical history, and symptoms and decide if you should undergo lung function testing.

What Should I Expect?

Stop taking your breathing medications for 24 hours prior to your scheduled test. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that doesn’t squeeze your chest. Avoid any heavy exercise and using tobacco products before your test
Your height, weight, age, race and gender will be recorded
A healthcare professional will first put soft clips on your nose. The nose clips ensure that you breathe through your mouth, not your nose. You’ll put your lips around a mouthpiece, and the mouthpiece connects to a spirometer. The provider will then give you directions on breathing in and out. You may take deep breaths in and out. You may also take deep breaths in and blow out as hard and as fast as you can. As you breathe, the spirometer will detect pressure or volume changes in the device to help measure your lung volumes. The healthcare professional will also give you directions on breathing in and out a small, safe amount of carbon monoxide. As you breathe, the spirometer measures how much carbon monoxide you exhale. This measurement indicates how much of the gas your lungs absorbed.
You will then have a pulse oximeter placed on your wrist and finger to measure your oxygen saturation and heart rate while walking back and forth down a hallway for six minutes.
Generally, PFTs do not require any recovery time, and you should be able to back to your normal activities following completion of the test.