Pulmonary Function Testing
Pulmonary function testing is a breathing test that measures how well the lungs are working, including how much air a person can move and how quickly they can move it. It is simple, painless, involves no needles, and is done right in the office.
Why We Use It
Pulmonary function testing gives us a measurable way to understand what is happening in the lungs, rather than relying on symptoms alone.
Confirming whether symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness or a persistent cough are caused by narrowed airways.
Helping distinguish asthma from other reasons for the same symptoms.
Following how well treatment is working over time, because repeating the test gives a measurement to compare against rather than relying on memory of how someone felt.
What the Test Involves
The patient breathes into a mouthpiece attached to a machine, following instructions from the staff member running the test. Usually this means breathing in fully and then blowing out as hard and as long as possible into the mouthpiece.
The test is repeated more than once, because the result depends on effort, and the aim is a consistent reading rather than a single attempt. Staff coach the patient through each attempt to help get the most accurate result.
It is completely normal to find it takes a couple of goes to get the hang of it. Staff will guide you through the process each step of the way so you feel comfortable with what is being asked.
Testing Before and After Medication
The test is sometimes done again after giving a medicine that opens the airways. Comparing the two results shows whether the narrowing improves once that medicine is given.
This matters because airway narrowing that improves with treatment points toward asthma. It helps the doctor understand what is causing your symptoms and how your airways respond to treatment, which shapes the plan going forward.
Preparing for Your Test
Avoid a Heavy Meal
Avoid a heavy meal shortly before your test, so you are comfortable enough to breathe fully during each attempt.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Wear clothing that does not restrict the chest, since anything tight can make it harder to take a full breath.
Follow Medicine Instructions
Follow the doctor's instructions about any inhaled medicine that should be paused before testing, because taking it too close to the appointment can hide the very thing the test is looking for.
The practice explains all of this when the appointment is made, so you know exactly what to do beforehand and can arrive ready for an accurate test.
Understanding Your Results
Your results are compared against the range expected for someone of the same age, height and sex. This gives the doctor a meaningful way to judge how your lungs are performing relative to what is typical for you.
The doctor goes through what the numbers mean in ordinary language, so you leave with a clear understanding of what was found rather than a page of unfamiliar figures.
The test is read alongside your symptoms and history rather than on its own, because the same result can mean different things for different patients depending on what else is going on.
Put a Measurement Behind Your Symptoms
Book an appointment to find out whether pulmonary function testing is right for you. Asthma & Allergy Care, P.C. has four New Jersey offices, with evening and Saturday hours, to make it easier to get the care you need.
Four New Jersey offices, with evening and Saturday hours.