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Lung function testing involves a range of tests to find out how well your lungs and breathing systems are working.
They offer consultants vital information about your lungs and renal functions, and provide vital information for subsequent treatment.
Conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis can be identified through these tests.
If you already have an existing lung condition, these special tests can track changes in your lung function over time.
By measuring how well your lungs work before and after treatment, consultants can use these tests to figure out the most effective treatment or therapy.
Lung function tests can help assess your risk of complications before you undergo any kind of surgery, especially if it involves the heart or lungs.
This test measures the amount of air you can breathe in and out, and how quickly you can exhale. Spirometry is often used to diagnose conditions like asthma and COPD.
This test measures the total amount of air your lungs can hold. The results also provide details about the elasticity of your lungs and chest wall.
By measuring how well oxygen moves from your lungs into your blood, this test is particularly useful for diagnosing lung tissue disease, such as pulmonary fibrosis.
CPET measures your lung and heart function during exercise. Our consultants use it to evaluate how your lungs and heart work together, as well as assessing exercise tolerance or unexplained shortness of breath.
Bronchitis, or inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by infection or smoking
Lung function tests might also be ordered to assess your risk if you're scheduled for surgery involving the heart or lungs, or to assess lung damage from smoking or diseases such as lung cancer.
If you have a chronic lung condition, regular testing is a vital part of your programme to manage the disease more effectively by adjusting treatments as needed. Lung function tests also provide valuable information about any risk of complications during surgery or other medical procedures.
Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant's outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.
Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you.
You should refrain from smoking for several hours before the test, as it can affect your lung function.
Drinking alcohol can impact your test results, so it’s best to avoid alcohol for at least a few hours before the test.
Tight clothing can sometimes restrict your breathing, so it’s important to wear something comfortable that allows you to take deep breaths with ease.
Eating a large meal before the test can make it difficult to breathe deeply, so a light meal is recommended.
If you use bronchodilators (prescription medication, usually inhaled, that help relax and widen your airways), you may need to stop taking it beforehand.
Depending on the type of test, you may be instructed to:
Some tests simply require you to breathe in and out at a normal rate.
For tests like spirometry, you’ll be asked to take the deepest breath possible and then exhale as hard as you can.
In some tests, such as the diffusion capacity test, you may need to hold your breath for a few seconds to measure how well oxygen is being absorbed into your blood.
If you’re undergoing a cardiopulmonary exercise test, you’ll be asked to exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike while your heart and lung function are monitored.
The entire testing process is non-invasive and usually painless, though some people may feel dizzy or short of breath, especially during strenuous parts of the test.
Your test results will be studied by your consultant, who will explain what they mean and what the next steps should be at your next appointment.
If the tests reveal any abnormalities, your consultant might recommend further tests, lifestyle changes, or treatments.
While most lung function tests are safe during pregnancy, your consultant may avoid certain tests or adjust them to ensure the safety of you and your baby.
If you’ve recently had a heart attack, your consultant may postpone lung function tests until your heart condition is more stable.
If you have a severe lung condition that makes it difficult to breathe, your consultant will most likely recommend a less strenuous test.
If you feel dizzy or short of breath following the test, rest for a few minutes until you feel better. It’s also a good idea to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if you exerted yourself during the test.
Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in January 2025. Next review due January 2027.