Pulmonary Function Test

Pulmonary function tests are one of the simplest and more efficient ways to diagnose pulmonary disorders and functional problems with your lungs. If you experience breathing problems, visit Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine in Algonquin, Illinois. The specialists, Dennis Kellar, MD, Amanda Law, FPA-APRN, CNP, and their skilled team, perform comprehensive pulmonary function tests in the office and local hospitals, so you can get care at your convenience. To schedule an exam, call or book online today.

What are pulmonary function tests?

Pulmonary function tests are noninvasive tests used to analyze the function of your lungs. These tests are used to measure how much air can fill your lungs, how well you can inhale and exhale, and how well oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged within your lungs.

Most pulmonary disorders are related to problems with air moving in and out of your lungs. This is due to two factors:

Obstructive pulmonary disorders

Obstructive conditions prevent air from flowing out of your lungs, which causes a decreased flow of air.

Restrictive pulmonary disorders

Restrictive problems occur when the lung tissues or muscles in your chest can’t expand fully, which creates problems because you can only get low levels of air into your lungs.

The team determines which types of pulmonary function tests to perform based on your symptoms and a comprehensive physical exam.

What types of pulmonary function tests are there?

The Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine team offers a range of in-office tests to check your lung function. These tests include:

Spirometry

During a spirometry test, you breathe through a mouthpiece to measure how much air you can inhale and exhale.

Peak Flow

With a peak flow test, you blow into a mouthpiece after taking a deep breath to measure how much air you can hold in your lungs.

Cardiopulmonary stress testing

This test is performed while you ride a stationary bike. You breathe into and out of a mouthpiece while electrode pads are placed on your chest to track your heartbeat. This test examines heart and lung function.

Six-minute walk test

During a six-minute walk test, you walk on a treadmill for six minutes while breathing through a mouthpiece connected to an oximeter. The oximeter measures how much oxygen you inhale during your walking session.

Additional advanced tests are available, including bronchoscopy with and without biopsies, thoracentesis, and a metabolic cart to measure the amount of oxygen inhaled and carbon dioxide exhaled. The team may also require chest X-rays at an imaging facility to evaluate some conditions.

When do I need to take a pulmonary function test?

Pulmonary function tests are used to identify and diagnose a range of pulmonary disorders, including:

• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Emphysema
• Pneumonia

These tests can also be completed by the team in a hospital setting when needed.

Find out what tests are needed to identify the cause of your breathing problems by scheduling a consultation at Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine online or by phone.