Lung Function Test

[ericat659Asthma]

After receiving my initial diagnosis last week, I have now received a letter from the hospital to go for a lung function test at the cardio respiratory (ECG) dept at the end of this month.

By then I will have been back to my GP as directed at the latest hospital visit, and GP should have given me a different inhaler to be used once in the morning and once at night rinsing out the mouth after use... I am sure you all will know what that is but right now, I dont. GP might even have results from blood tests when I go too.

What would you be asking of your GP at this point?

And Is there anything I ought to know about what to expect for this lung function test?

[Beth_19]

lung function tests are relatively easy to follow, a nurse or health care assistant will be with you and tell you everything you need to do. basically they consist of different techniques such as taking a deep breath and blowing it out as hard/quickly as you can, and taking a deep breath and blowing it out in a regular sustained blow. it can be a little tiring as you will have to do it more then once so they have an average baseline for you.

as for your gp, i'd ask about the meds they are wanting to prescribe if you dont know what they are. ask what the plan is for the future such as what to do if you start having a worsening of symptoms.

hope this helps.

[ericat659Asthma in reply to Beth_19]

thank you, that doesnt sound so bad. I was quite worried as to what the lung testing might be.

[Hidden]

Make sure you rinse out well as if you don't the result can be thrush in the mouth which is horrible. Water will work. Good swill round or a mouthwash if you prefer. Good luck with the tests.

Ros

[ericat659Asthma in reply to Hidden]

ugh. yes, I dont fancy getting thrush in the mouth, yuk... he did say it is a good idea to use this inhaler then brush my teeth, as that will be a regular morning and night routine and will also provide the necessary rinse.

[Hidden]

I'd go for a bit more rinse than that 😊

[ericat659Asthma in reply to Hidden]

will have a good swill too

[Matti1]

Agree what has been said, sounds like they may start you on combination inhaler but I would still all for reliever ie Ventolin.

There's 2 commonly prescribed combination inhalers seretide and symbicort but new ones on the market flutiform and I've see another one mentioned. If you Google combination inhalers UK you'll see.

I hope they're not just putting you on preventer which is the steroids component only in them and also within combination inhalers, but they have relieved ingredient in them too.

You rinse your mouth to prevent oral thrush and hoarseness.

Best wishes x