Respiratory/Pulmonary Function Testing

Jobs that expose workers to potentially hazardous respiratory conditions require respiratory/pulmonary function testing. These tests focus on protecting the health and function of your lungs. At Monument Occupational Medicine in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Susan Cump, PA, Anjmun Sharma, MD, and their team provide respiratory/pulmonary function testing. Call Monument Occupational Medicine today to schedule a respiratory/pulmonary function testing appointment, or book your visit online.

What is respiratory/pulmonary function testing?

Respiratory/pulmonary function testing refers to several medical analyses that assess how efficiently your lungs use air. Specifically, they check your ability to inhale (breathe in) and exhale (breathe out). Pulmonary function tests can also assess how quickly your lungs convert oxygen in your blood and how physical activity (exercise) affects your breathing.

What types of respiratory/pulmonary function testing are there?

The Monument Occupational Medicine team provides several types of respiratory/pulmonary function testing, including:

Spirometry

Spirometry assesses how much air you can breathe in and breathe out. It also measures how much air is in your lungs.

Body plethysmography

This test measures the amount of air in your lungs at different times while exhaling and inhaling. It’s an easy and effective way to measure your lungs’ air volume.

Gas diffusion study

This test measures how much oxygen and other gases move from your lungs to your blood. The more oxygen that enters your bloodstream, the healthier your lungs are.

Cardiopulmonary exercise test

This test determines how well your heart, lungs, and muscles work while exercising. Difficult breathing during physical activity could indicate that you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or another respiratory disease.

When is respiratory/pulmonary function testing recommended?

You might need to undergo respiratory/pulmonary function testing if your job is physically demanding, requires a respirator, or exposes you to potential lung hazards. That’s particularly true if you develop symptoms that include:

• Chest tightness or pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing

Respiratory function testing identifies respiratory problems, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis. Scheduling routine pulmonary function tests can provide peace of mind and protect your health for years to come.

How do I prepare for respiratory/pulmonary function testing?

Preparing for pulmonary function testing is easy. Wear loose clothing to your appointment, avoid strenuous activity, and don’t smoke beforehand. If you have a respiratory condition like asthma, don’t take your medication before the test.

Most respiratory tests take 15-45 minutes. No recovery is needed, so you can return to your routine immediately after your appointment.

Call Monument Occupational Medicine today to schedule respiratory/pulmonary function testing, or book your appointment online.