Lung Function Testing

There are several reasons for undergoing lung function tests including:

• If you’ve been having breathing problems with symptoms such as:
  • Chest tightness, pain or pressure.
  • Coughing, especially if you produce mucus or phlegm.
  • Difficulty breathing or taking a deep breath.
  • Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
• If your doctor feels you’re at an increased risk of developing a particular lung condition such as:
  • Asthma
  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Emphysema
  • Pulmonary fibrosis
  • Pulmonary hypertension
• To assess the progress of your existing breathing condition by comparing these tests with previous results.
• To see how your breathing condition improves with different treatments
• To help assess lung fitness before surgery

We are proud to provide a comprehensive range of lung function tests (LFTs) including:

• Full lung function test

Includes Spirometry, Diffusion capacity test & Body plethysmography.

• Spirometry

A simple breathing test that measures how much air and how quickly you can breathe in and out from your lungs.

• Diffusion capacity test

Evaluates how well oxygen and other gases move from your lungs into your blood.

• Body plethysmography

Measures lung volume and how easily you can breathe out.

• Reversibility test

Occasionally performed with other tests to see if your symptoms improve with medication.

• Skin prick test (SPT)

Looks for reactions to common allergens, like animal dander, food and pollen.

• Exhaled nitric oxide test (FeNO)

Measures the amount of nitric oxide in your breath, to assess the level of inflammation in your lungs.

• Bronchial provocation tests

Assesses how sensitive your airways are after inhaling special medications.

• Respiratory muscle tests

Assesses the strength of the muscles that control your breathing.

• Overnight oximetry test

Measures the levels of oxygen in your blood as you sleep

Lung function tests can be performed in several ways, but the general steps are quite similar. Here’s what you can expect for the most common lung function tests:

Spirometry Test

• You’ll sit on a chair with a soft clip on your nose to ensure you breathe only through your mouth.
• You’ll seal your lips tightly around a mouthpiece connected to a device called a spirometer.
• You’ll take a deep breath in and exhale forcefully into the mouthpiece. The spirometer will measure the volume and speed of your exhaled air.
• In some cases, you’ll inhale a medicine designed to open your airways and then repeat the test to see if the medication improves your airflow.

Body Plethysmography (Lung Volume Test)

• You’ll sit inside a small, clear, airtight booth resembling a telephone booth.
• A soft clip will be placed on your nose to ensure you breathe only through your mouth.
• You’ll seal your lips around a mouthpiece and follow instructions to breathe in and out.
• Changes in air pressure within the booth will measure how much air your lungs can hold and how much air remains after you exhale.
• Alternatively, the test may involve breathing a special gas mixture for a few minutes while wearing a nose clip, without the need for the airtight booth.

Gas Diffusion Test

• You’ll sit on a chair with a soft nose clip to ensure you breathe only through your mouth.
• You’ll seal your lips tightly around a mouthpiece connected to a spirometer.
• You’ll inhale a small, safe amount of carbon monoxide and hold your breath for about 10 seconds.
• Afterward, you’ll exhale into the mouthpiece. The spirometer will measure the carbon dioxide levels in your breath, which helps determine how effectively your lungs absorb gases into your bloodstream.

Proper preparation ensures accurate test results and avoids factors that might interfere with measurements.

Medications:

• Inhalers

Continue taking your medications unless your doctor has specifically advised you to stop before the test. Please bring all your inhalers with you on the day, including your reliever inhaler, as you may need to use them during the testing.

• Antihistamines

Avoid taking any antihistamines for 48 hours before the test, as these can affect certain measurements, especially for the skin prick test.

• Other Medications

If you’re on additional medications that might impact breathing, consult your healthcare provider, who will advise you accordingly.

Smoking and Caffeine:

Try not to smoke for at least 24 hours before the test.

Avoid caffeine on the day of your test (e.g., coffee, tea, or cola drinks), as it can influence your breathing.

Eating and Exercise:

Refrain from eating a large meal within two hours before the test, as a full stomach can make deep breathing challenging.

Avoid vigorous exercise on the day of the test, as it may temporarily impact your lung function.

Clothing:

Wear loose, comfortable clothing to allow free movement of your chest. This will help you breathe deeply during the tests.

Arrival:

Arriving a little early will give you time to relax and settle in before starting. Calm, steady breathing is important for accurate results.

Following preparation guidelines and understanding each test will help you feel more comfortable and confident, ultimately providing your healthcare team with the precise information needed to manage and improve your respiratory health.

Lung function tests are generally low-risk. However, some individuals may experience light-headedness, dizziness, or fatigue from deep breathing. Coughing is also a common reaction. For lung volume tests, some may feel uneasy in enclosed spaces. If you have any concerns, please discuss them with your consultant prior to your appointment.

• Comprehensive diagnostics

We have one of the most comprehensive ranges of private lung function tests in XXX.

• First-class facilities and expert care

Cutting-edge equipment and leading specialists

• Rapid access appointments

Availability same day or within 24 hours of enquiring

• Free car parking

Big, on-site car park for ease of access and peace of mind

• Seamless patient experience

Diagnosis to treatment all under one roof

• Patient satisfaction

Rated ‘Excellent’ on Doctify – based on more than 4000 patient reviews

• Payment plans

Spread the cost of your treatment over 12 months with no credit checks required

• Healthcare when you need it

Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year

Our Enquiries Team are here to help. To speak to a member of the team about our lung function testing service, simply use one of the contact methods below:

• Complete the online contact form here
• Email our Enquiries Team on enquiries@osdhealthcare.co.uk
• Call our Enquiries Team on 01442 331 900