Lung function test -do I stop my inhaler?

[jeffbird]

Hello, I had COVID in March last year which has left me with a few issues including possible asthma. Ive been taking flutiform 125/5 x2 twice a day since September. I have a hospital appointment for lung function tests on Friday. Do I stop or reduce the inhaler for a period beforehand?

Thanks in advance

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

Hi, yes you do need to stop your inhalers beforehand if you can, otherwise it just tests how well they're working not what you can do off them!

I'm guessing they haven't given you any information? They should do but it is often hit and miss and sometimes they give wrong information, so I have learned to look it up myself and double check. Just googling, not everywhere mentions Flutiform but Symbicort, which contains the same long-acting reliever component (formoterol) as Flutiform, is listed as one you should stop for 12 hours before the test so probably best to follow that. For your reliever inhaler, if you have one, it's 4 hours before the test.

I've added a couple of links to places which may help - or you could google your hospital and see if it has a leaflet about this online, if they haven't provided one.

jpaget.nhs.uk/departments-s...

monkfieldpractice.co.uk/wha...

[jeffbird in reply to Lysistrata]

Thanks for your reply, I’ll check those links too. It was just a quick call to arrange the appointment & I was in another medical appointment at the time so I was a bit flustered & didn’t think to ask.

[juneflo53 in reply to Lysistrata]

I was booked for lung tests but they were cancelled. Info I got was do not take inhalers on the day (if you can cope without). If you can't cope without inhaler take it but you need to tell them. Take all medication with you. Wear comfortable, loose clothes. I was planning on leggings or jogging bottoms, loose T shirt and trainers/flat comfy shoes. hope that helps.

[jeffbird in reply to juneflo53]

Thanks June that’s really helpful. I’ve been waiting since September. Cases have dropped right down here in Belfast so they’re offering testing for non urgent cases again. I suppose it varies by hospital but might be worth checking with your gp if they can refer you again?