Lung Function Test

Because pulmonary function testing is not an invasive procedure, it is safe and quick for most people. But the person must be able to follow clear, simple directions.

All procedures have some risks. The risks of this procedure may include:

• Dizziness during the tests

• Feeling short of breath

• Coughing

• Asthma attack brought on by deep inhalation

In some cases, a person shouldn’t have PFTs. Reasons for this can include:

• Recent eye surgery, because of increased pressure inside the eyes during the procedure

• Recent belly or chest surgery

• Chest pain, recent heart attack, or an unstable heart condition

• A bulging blood vessel (aneurysm) in the chest, belly, or brain

• Active tuberculosis (TB) or respiratory infection, such as a cold or the flu

Your risks may vary depending on your general health and other factors. Ask your healthcare provider which risks apply most to you. Talk with him or her about any concerns you have.

Certain things can make PFTs less accurate. These include:

• The degree of patient cooperation and effort

• Use of medicines that open the airways (bronchodilators)

• Use of pain medicines

• Pregnancy

• Stomach bloating that affects the ability to take deep breaths

• Extreme tiredness or other conditions that affect a person’s ability to do the tests (such as a head cold)

Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you. Ask him or her any questions you have. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully. Ask questions if anything is not clear.

Tell your healthcare provider if you take any medicines. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Make sure to:

• Stop taking certain medicines before the procedure, if instructed by your healthcare provider

• Stop smoking before the test, if instructed by your healthcare provider. Ask your provider how many hours before the test you should stop smoking.

• Not eat a heavy meal before the test, if instructed by your healthcare provider

• Follow any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you

Your height and weight will be recorded before the test. This is done so that your results can be accurately calculated.

You may have your procedure as an outpatient. This means you go home the same day. Or it may be done as part of a longer stay in the hospital. The way the procedure is done may vary. It depends on your condition and your healthcare provider’s methods. In most cases, the procedure will follow this process:

1. You’ll be asked to loosen tight clothing, jewelry, or other things that may cause a problem with the procedure.

2. If you wear dentures, you will need to wear them during the procedure.

3. You’ll need to empty your bladder before the procedure.

4. You’ll sit in a chair. A soft clip will be put on your nose. This is so all of your breathing is done through your mouth, not your nose.

5. You’ll be given a sterile mouthpiece that is attached to a spirometer.

6. You’ll form a tight seal over the mouthpiece with your mouth. You’ll be instructed to inhale and exhale in different ways.

7. You will be watched carefully during the procedure for dizziness, trouble breathing, or other problems.

8. You may be given a bronchodilator after certain tests. The tests will then be repeated several minutes later, after the bronchodilator has taken effect.