Lung function test!

[Amy2091]

Although I've suffered with eosinophilic asthma all my life, I have only been under specialist care over the last year. My specialist has been great (if a little speedy!) with the changing around of medication etc and educating me a little more about the condition and how to monitor it better. I currently see her every 4 weeks (it's been delayed atm due to her sickness and leave commitments) and am due to see her again in January.

I've just returned home today to find a letter saying I need a lung function test done in a weeks time. She asked if I ever had one at our last visit but didn't say I'd actually need one. I've studied certain aspects of lung function and COPD but this was years ago (my results were so bad following a DIY spirometer!) and I'm honestly not too sure what to expect? Can someone advice with any detailed experiences of their own? Also what it checks for altogether and what benefits did you get from your test?

I'm nervous of the unknown and the speed at which all these changes are happening but I'm hopeful that they will eventually work in my favour.

Any advice welcome

[Poobah]

Morning Amy. These tests are non invasive and involve you blowing into a digital instrument that measures lung capacity. I believe its called spirometer.

It's able to measure your capacity by examining your forced exhaled breath. The nurse will probably say "keep going" as you exhale as you try to completely empty your lungs. And maybe repeated 3 times.

There are other tests that involve breathing out and all are non invasive. So nothing to worry about and you may have the tests at each future visit. It just means that your specialist can, over time, see how your doing on your meds as the test results will be a good indicator that you're stable or improving.

All the best.

[dawnhaycock]

My daughter has these tests every month when she sees her consultant. As previously said none invasive, only takes a couple of minutes. Also measures how inflamed your airwaves are so helps decide if steroids can be reduced. It’s a good measure of how under control your asthma is.

[sammy12345]

Hi Amy,

Like the others say it is non invasive and involves you blowing into a machine with a peg on your nose. They give you plenty of time so it isn't rushed and they talk you through everything you have to do. Breathing out quick, breathing out until empty. It gives measurements to see if there are restrictions and obstructions and looks at the small airways etc. The main figures my clinic is interested in is FEV1 which is how much air you blow out in a second and FVC which is how much air you can expel after a full breath. Good luck

[Amy2091]

Thank you all! I sort of have an understanding about it because of what I've studied and of course, good ole google lol, just a bit nervous when it's actually my time. I've had asthma my entire life and only now someone is actually trying to help me with it properly, it's a little overwhelming and it's surprising how much I didn't actually know about it. It's all good, just all very new. It's very much not just "try this inhaler" and more let's have a look inside, let's try another step.