Pulmonary Function Test
Lung or pulmonary function testing is a measure of how well a person breathes.
Pulmonary function testing can be performed on infants, toddlers, youths and adults.
Lung or pulmonary function testing is widely used by physicians to aid in the evaluation and management of patients with known or suspected respiratory disorders.
The primary reasons for performing pulmonary function testing in asthma are:
- Diagnosis or detection of asthma
- Assessment of asthma severity
- Monitor the progress of asthma
- Evaluate the effectiveness of medications and therapies
There are several pulmonary function tests. Each test is unique and designed to provide your physician with information that is most beneficial in the management of your care. Your physician may order only one specific test or a combination of testing. The most common Pulmonary Function test for asthma is called Spirometry.
During a spirometry test, a person breathes into mouthpiece that is connected to a machine called a spirometer. The spirometer records the amount and the rate of air that is breathed in and out of the lungs over a specified time. The test measurements are obtained by requiring the patient to forcibly exhale after a deep breath.
Pulmonary Function Testing is performed on the 6th floor of Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in the Bryan Diagnostic Center . Our Pulmonary Function center is staffed by specially trained respiratory therapists and technicians.
If your doctor has requested that a Pulmonary Function tests be obtained for you child, you can call 216-844-TEST to set-up an appointment.