Pulmonary Function Technology refers to a group of breathing tests that assist the doctor determine how well work lungs. A Pulmonary function technologist is a certified healthcare professional specializing in testing and evaluating patient pulmonary functions.
Pulmonary Function Technology can be used to:
- The diagnosis of lung diseases such as asthma; Emphysema; Chronic bronchitis;
- Measurements of as far the problem affects the health of the lungs;
- Estimates of some of the symptoms - coughing, wheezing, trouble breathing;
- Assessing the effectiveness of treatment;
- Estimates of pulmonary function before and after surgery.
How is the Pulmonary function tests?
Preparation for the procedure
- Need to tell the doctor about taking medication. Perhaps some of them should stop taking before testing;
- Do not eat, smoke or expose yourself to a stress for 4-8 hours prior to testing.
The specialist will explain how the is conducted test and how works device (spirometer, peak flow meter). A technician will ask you to inhale and exhale into the device. Immediately speak the doctor if you are having problems with breathing, pain or dizziness during testing.
Lung function test will help evaluate:
- How much air you can to breathe;
- How much air the lungs can hold at different times;
- How difficult is it to you to breathe air.
Additional tests that can be used in some cases include:
- The degree of blood oxygen saturation - a small probe is painlessly attached or fastened to one of the fingers or toes. It measures the amount of oxygen in the blood;
- Pprovocation test - the impact of a particular chemical substance, and then is measured the degree of respiratory changes due to exposure to the substance. Testing is carried out only in limited cases, under close and careful supervision.
After the procedure, the doctor will compare the test results with normal values based on your age, gender and height. He will inform you the results and decide whether to carry out a further examination or treatment.
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