Lung function test

[Espanolita]

Hello, I’ve recently been diagnosed with Bronchiectasis and have a lung function test this coming Wednesday. I had to postpone the first one as I was taking antibiotics. However, I now have pain when I breathe in on my right side. I don’t want to take more antibiotics until I’ve had the test but I’m worried that it will really hurt. Also, until I have this test I can’t get a follow up appointment with the consultant and it’s already been pushed back. So i really need to do this appointment. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

[Mellywelly]

Hi, I have a constant pain on my right side when I breathe in with copd. I would still go and just mention when you get there. A lung function test is all breathing out as hard as you can so if that's the case with you I wouldn't worry about it. Good luck chook 😉

[Espanolita in reply to Mellywelly]

Thank you. That’s good to know. I already feel less worried! 😊

[Troilus]

Hi Espanolita. I’d say it depends on how much this pain hurts when breathing. If you are having spirometry it is a simple breath in and then out as hard as you can. (You might want to have a go and see how it feels)

However pulmonary lung function tests are a lot more extensive. You are asked to breathe in different ways and repeat each manoeuvre at least three times. If you feel this pain or it intensifies when actively breathing it may affect your results. To be on the safe side I would give them a ring and check.

[Espanolita in reply to Troilus]

Thank you. I think I will wait and see how I feel on Tuesday and then make a decision. But thank you for the advice. 😊

[ProudYorky]

Hi in my opinion I would not cancel it the way we are going with our appointments being regularly pushed back you don't know how long you will be waiting for another one as yowu say your 12 month as been pushed to 16 month I took am still waiting for my regular 12 month function test scan and consultation it's now 2 yrs and still waiting ,I've rung his secretary and she says with the lack of staff and extra patients due to COVID she has no idea when I will be seen .Hope your able to go you can always stop the test if it's too much ....best wishes

[Lutontown]

Definitely go to your appointment, as it will take a while to get another. Pain in your chest when you breath, could be pneumonia/ pleurisy. If so, it might show up at your appointment. Did the antibiotics you were on get rid of the bug? Was it the right antibiotic? Some bugs require intravenous AB to sort.

[Espanolita in reply to Lutontown]

Thanks, I will go. I’ve been on 4 lots of antibiotics and sputum samples were sent in on 2 occasions so I did have the right antibiotic. But the consultant won’t see me until I’ve had the lung function test. I’ve also got a physio appointment the week after, only after I pushed back with the GP. It feels like I am having to push the whole time to get things moving which is very draining. I am new to this forum and I have to say it is very reassuring to know there are others out there. So thank you for taking the time to reply.

[Lutontown in reply to Espanolita]

OK, sounds like you're on the right track.

I've told this tale a number of times; since moving into our present abode in Aug 2013, I had numerous chest infections. Since the eradication of Black Mould in our bathroom, apart from a stint in hospital in Nov 2019 with pneumonia and pleurisy, I've had NO chest infections. Worth investigating?

[Espanolita in reply to Lutontown]

I think in my case it’s the fact I work in a big school with lots of students and therefore lots of germs. Constantly using hand sanitizer and washing hands. Children are carriers of everything. I had pneumonia nearly 3 years ago and so that was the start of it all…..

[Alberta56 in reply to Espanolita]

I'm afraid pushing is something we all have to do' if we want to get anywhere.

[Otto11]

Hi I’m by no way an expert but was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis in Feb 2020 just before lockdown. I have still not been seen face to face but have had full lung function tests twice. The last one was when I had Covid in 2022 so I rang to cancel but was told it would be a very very long wait to reschedule & they told me to still attend my appointment which I did. 🤷🏻‍♀️ So if you can manage to go I would. Good luck.

[Blackcat99]

I'd say don't cancel (goodness knows when you'd get offered another appointment 😬)

Go along, mention at the beginning that you do have sporadic pain and are worried about it - they might say that that's a no-no for the test, but I'd think more likely they'll go ahead, telling you to stop or to make them aware if it starts to cause you problems. That in itself is possibly information worth them feeding back in their report to consultant?

All the best for Tuesday! xx

[Beth1949]

I have bronchiectasis, in the past, I would have pain, usually on the left side of my chest.

I would use a heating pad on that side. It seemed to help. While showering, I would have the hottest water that I could take, beat on my back.

Have someone 'pound' on your back. Using their hands cupped, moderately pound on your back while you are lying on your stomach. I'm sure there are Youtube videos, internet, that show you how.

I think the pain is because mucus plugs are pressing against the walls of the lungs, which also reduces the movement of air. You can take an over the counter mucus thinner to help move the mucus up and out of your lungs.

Keep your appointment, Beth

[Patk1]

I'd put a specimen in for testing