A little knowledge needed

[Poohpoohmad]

Evening all,

I have my lung function tests next week and starting to stress.

Can anyone tell me what l may be doing? Am told wear loose clothing and don't eat or use reliever for at least two hours prior to appt.

Many thanks.

[mrsmummy]

Lung function tests are non-invasive tests that show how well the lungs are working. The tests measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange. The information can help with a diagnosis and/or decide the treatment of certain lung disorders. Having a full stomach or having used an inhaler can have an effect on how well you can blow. All you will have to do is breathe in deeply and breathe out for as long as you can. Have you done a spirometry test before?

[Poohpoohmad in reply to mrsmummy]

No, it's taken twenty years to get her they while test me

Thanks for the info

[Badbessie]

If you go onto YouTube, go into search and type Spirometry or lung function test there are videos demonstrating these tests.

[Poohpoohmad in reply to Badbessie]

Thank you ❤️

[Tomcat98]

If its exercise Lung Function tests you usually walk up and down for several minutes with a monitor on, then do the same again with oxygen on.

[kate93105]

Hello,

I have had several lung function tests over the past few years. I have COPD, emphysema, and small cell lung cancer. I have never been told to wear loose fitting clothing. Only to be comfortable. Don't use any inhalers before the test. I was allowed to eat.

The testing is quite simple. A series of breaths in and out as instructed. The tests are over before you know it. Please do not stress. You will sail through it without a hitch.

If you have any questions, please ask. Have a good night. God bless.

Kathie

[Poohpoohmad in reply to kate93105]

Katie, thank you so very much for extending the hand of friendship my way. I am, thanks to all my answers, no where near as stressed. So glad l found this forum.

[Inamoment]

I've had two sorts. Blowing into a machine. You are encouraged (a lot) to really fill and empty your lungs and change the direction of breathing very promptly. It is easy and quite interesting. Don asked who's Lilo he was blowing up today! The other is the six minute walk test. I find this hard work but it is only six minutes. Not been asked not to eat but light clothing makes sense.

[Fionab67]

I had a spirometer (?) test done a when I was first diagnosed a couple of months ago. It doesn't hurt and they recommended me to put aside an hour for my visit as they measured me without a reliever and then again with one to see the difference.

[Hidden]

I have had quite a few done in the last twelve months, the best one was when the checked me for Sarcoid they use a helium based air mix. But all were harmless.

[HampshireLass]

Nothing to worry about, honest. Interesting how prople are told different things, my GP surgery nurse says to take all inhalers as usual and ventolin half an hour before.

[peege in reply to HampshireLass]

That's odd. My LF tests at the hospital have always been done without inhalers then repeated after a dose of Ventolin.

[peege]

PS the air quality isn't great at the moment. Moderate (5) here in south UK according to DEFRA. It could explain your SOB? Should drop from tomorrow.

In the meantime some breathing techniques will help not only breathing but anxiety too 😀

[Lazarus]

Yes, as the others have said, there is absolutely nothing to worry about. It's so simple it almost seems like a game. All you are likely to be asked to do, is to blow into some tubes that look like the cardboard centre of a toilet roll.

These have little air flow gauges in them which are hooked up to a laptop or computer. If it is a full spirometry test then there may be a few more tests ( all blowing into tubes) but you may be asked to do this whilst sat in a perspex box, a bit like a telephone box., but which is also fitted with a mouthpiece and various tubes and wires. They compare the amount you can suck or blow to a "Normal" "healthy person of your age, to find out if your airways are more or less blocked than "Normal".

I would be surprised if they asked you to walk on a treadmill or bike - like you sometimes see athletes doing on TV - I don't think they will be doing anything like that, although they might ask you to walk progressively faster between some traffic cones until you get a little out of breath. They would then measure your blood Oxygen level to see how long it takes to come back up to "normal", by attaching a little monitor to your finger.

No need to get stressed - they are not trying to catch you out or embarrass you, they are there to help you get the correct treatment for your condition.

Keep cool - stress will make your chest tighten up so, relax & have fun, and ask the nurse or person testing you, what they are measuring and how- so that you understand your results when you get them.

Hope that helps

[kate93105 in reply to Lazarus]

Lazarus,

Good information for someone who is stressed and filled with anxiety. I did not have to walk as part of my testing.

I agree that you can ask questions of the technician. He/she will be happy to answer them.

Relax and the test should go quickly. Have a great day. God bless.

My best,

Kathie