More than 25 million Americans suffer from asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When left untreated, asthma can be a life-threatening condition. With offices in Southlake and the Alliance area of Fort Worth, Texas, Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates can perform lung function testing to measure your breathing and help determine whether you have asthma. For more information, call the team at Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates or book a visit online today.
A lung function test, or pulmonary function test, is used to determine how well your lungs are working. It can measure how much air your lungs can hold and how forcefully you’re emptying air from your lungs.
There are four main types of lung function tests that Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates may use to diagnose or rule out asthma:
The preferred method for diagnosing asthma, a spirometry involves breathing into a mouthpiece that’s connected to another device called a spirometer. During the test, you’ll breathe in deeply and exhale forcefully while the spirometer measures how much air you’re breathing in and the rate of its flow.
While a peak flow meter doesn’t diagnose asthma, it’s a helpful tool that can help you track your condition. Using this small handheld device, you’ll breathe in as deeply as you can and exhale quickly.
A FeNO test measures the amount of nitric oxide in your lungs to gauge your levels of lung inflammation.
A provocation test is only recommended if previous asthma tests have come back negative, but you’re still showing signs and symptoms. Your doctor can order a series of tests, such as an exercise test, which are designed to provoke a response.
You may need a lung function test if you’re showing signs of asthma or another respiratory condition. The most common asthma symptoms are:
Most people with asthma experience worsening symptoms if they have a respiratory virus, such as the cold, flu, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Your symptoms can also worsen when you exercise, especially if the air is dry and cold.
Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates will give you instructions on how to prepare for your test before your visit. In general, though, you should:
A lung function test may be your first step in finding relief from constant coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness. To learn more, call Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates or book a visit online today.
