A lung function test can be appropriate if a patient is experiencing shortness of breath or a recurring cough.
It can provide information about
- Lung capacity
- Obstructions during exhalation
- Gas exchange in the lungs
- Checking the effect of medications
Procedure
During the test, the patient sits in a glass booth and breathes through a mouthpiece for the measurements. The nose is held closed with a clamp so that the exhaled air flows through the mouthpiece only and can be precisely measured. First, breathing is measured at rest. Then the patient must breathe in and out as deeply as possible several times. Finally, the patient breathes in as deeply as possible and out as quickly as possible.
The next step is examining gas exchange in the lungs. This requires the patient to hold their breath for several seconds.
Parts of the test may be repeated after inhaling a medication.
Duration
Approx. 1.5 hours consultation with the doctor, preparation, blood gas analysis, lung function testing
