Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
This test measures how well your lungs work. This includes how well you’re able to breathe and the effectiveness of your lungs to bring oxygen to the rest of your body. This test can normally be performed on kids ages 5 and up.
In particular, spirometry or lung function tests measure two key parameters: forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). FEV1 measures the amount of air you can forcefully exhale in one second, while FVC measures the total amount of air you can exhale forcefully.
In people with asthma, this type of test can help evaluate the severity of their condition and monitor how well their treatment is working. If you have asthma, your healthcare provider may perform spirometry tests on a regular basis to assess your lung function and determine whether adjustments to your treatment plan are needed.
During a spirometry test, we will ask you to breathe in as deeply as possible and then exhale as forcefully and completely as you can into a mouthpiece attached to a spirometer. The test is non-invasive and usually takes only a few minutes to complete.
Often, we will perform the test twice; once before the administration of a medication called albuterol, and then again afterwards to determine lung function improvement. This test can help us diagnose asthma or other types of lung disorders.
Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide Testing (FeNO)
This test allows us to determine how much nitric oxide is in your breath. This can help us determine if there is inflammation which can be a sign of asthma.
NO is a gas produced by the body’s immune system in response to allergens, and its levels can be used to identify an allergic reaction.
During an allergy breath test, you will be asked to breathe into a device that measures NO levels in your breath. We may also ask you to inhale a small amount of an allergen to see if it triggers a response. The test is non-invasive and it is performed in our clinic by a board-certified allergy specialist. The allergy breath test is most commonly used to diagnose and monitor asthma, as asthma is often triggered by allergens. It can also be used to identify other respiratory allergies, such as hay fever.
Because FeNO testing is a newer technology it may not be covered by some insurances. Fortunately, the cost is low and if felt necessary by your provider we will discuss testing further with you.
Your treatment plan will depend on the results of the test.
FAQ’s
An allergy breath test may be recommended by a healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness that suggest you may have an allergy-related respiratory condition, such as asthma or allergic rhinitis.
Other reasons why a healthcare provider may recommend an allergy breath test include:
- You have a family history of allergies or respiratory conditions.
- You have a history of allergies to certain substances, such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites.
- You have a history of respiratory infections that have not responded well to treatment.
- You have a history of occupational exposure to substances that can cause respiratory problems, such as chemicals or dust.
The preparation for a breathing test may vary depending on the specific type of test you are scheduled to undergo. However, here are some general tips to help you prepare for a breathing test:
- Follow any instructions provided by your healthcare provider as they may provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for the test.
- If you smoke, it is important to avoid smoking for at least 24 hours before the test, as smoking can affect lung function and produce inaccurate test results.
- Some medications, such as bronchodilators or other respiratory medications, can affect lung function and may need to be avoided before the test. Your healthcare provider will advise you on whether or not you should continue taking your medications before the test.
- You should wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows you to breathe easily during the test.
- Eating a heavy meal before the test may make it more difficult to breathe deeply and may affect test results, so have a light meal or snack. Nitrate-rich foods like green leafy vegetables and beetroot, as well as caffeine and alcohol, can also impact the test results, so it is recommended to refrain from consuming them for about an hour before the test.
We at Arizona Allergy Associates provide quick diagnostics to our services and provide an effective treatment plan.
AZ Allergy Associates Breathing (Lung Function) Test
Lung function tests are a group of tests that check to see if your lungs are working right. We conduct this test to look for:
- The capacity of air your lungs can hold
- How well you move air in and out of your lungs
- How well the lungs move oxygen into your bloodstream. Your blood cells need oxygen to grow and stay healthy.
These are the types of lung tests we provide.
- Spirometry – the most common type of lung function test. It measures how much and how quickly you can move air in and out of your lungs.
- Lung Volume Test – also known as body plethysmography. This test measures the amount of air you can hold in your lungs and the amount of air that remains after you exhale (breathe out) as much as you can.
- Gas Diffusion Test – This test measures how oxygen and other gases move from the lungs to the bloodstream.
- Exercise Stress Test – This test looks at how exercise affects lung function.
These tests may be used together or by themselves, depending on your specific symptoms or condition.
What to expect from our service?
These tests are not painful. They are performed by our certified technician, who will require you to use maximal effort to blow out and breathe in air. The tests are repeated several times to make sure the results are accurate.
Keep the following in mind when performing the test:
- You may need to stop taking certain medicines before the test. These include antihistamines and antidepressants. We will let you know which medicines to avoid before your test and how long to avoid them.
- Do not smoke for at least six hours prior to testing.
- If you are using a short-acting inhaler that is used only as needed, do not use for six to eight hours prior to testing, if possible.
- We will give you other instructions regarding medications.
Your treatment plan will depend on the results of the test.
We at Arizona Allergy Associates provide quick diagnostics to our services and provide an effective treatment plan.