Lung Function Testing in Manchester

These are detailed tests which provide an insight into the functionality of the lungs. Measurements include an assessment of lung size, the efficiency of oxygen transfer, and whether the airways are inflamed or narrowed. Doctors often request Lung Function tests to:

• Detect if you have any lung disease
• Measure the extent of existing lung conditions
• Determine if medication will improve your breathing
• Assess your lung function prior to surgical procedures

Your doctor will request tests on your breathing to help guide your medical treatment. You may also be having these tests as part of a pre-operative assessment if you are being considered for surgery.

Your height and weight will be measured on arrival as they will form part of a reference for your test results.

The Physiologist will ask you questions such as your current smoking status and if you have had any chest infections, or serious cardiac events in the last six weeks.

You will be asked to breathe in and out on a specialised machine through a mouthpiece and filter. During the tests your nose will be sealed using a nose-clip and you will be seated. The Physiologist will guide you through your tests and answer any questions that you may have.

All of the tests are completely painless and should not cause you any discomfort. They do however require your maximum effort, and the physiologist will encourage you to perform to your maximum ability with a rest given between tests. There are no known side effects associated with lung function tests.

During the performance of  the tests you might feel a little more breathless than normal. The tests might also make you cough and feel dizzy for a few seconds. The physiologist will give you sufficient time between tests to get your breath back and symptoms should soon disappear after you finish each test.

The number of tests will depend on what your doctor has requested, but routine tests normally take 30-60 minutes.

These tests can provide important information about the lungs, identifying which part of the lungs is responsible for symptoms, and how severe the problem is.The tests can also be useful in assessing response to inhaler therapy.

They are useful in diagnosis and management of a wide range of diseases including asthma, COPD, and lung fibrosis. Modern tests can measure inflammation in the airways (exhaled nitric oxide) and levels of airway responsiveness to environmental triggers (mannitol challenge), which can give important additional information for patients with asthma.

Repeating such tests and comparing periods at work and away from work, can also help identify breathing problems caused or made worse by work.

Your results will be prepared and interpreted when you are finished therefore it is not possible for you to receive any information during your testing.

The results will go back to your doctor who will discuss them with you at your next clinic appointment.