Pulmonary Function Testing

Pulmonary function testing is a group of noninvasive procedures that assess the health, function, and general condition of your lungs. These tests help diagnose underlying medical conditions and determine how well your lungs deliver oxygen to the rest of your body.

Pulmonary function testing can also be used to monitor the progression of a condition. For example, if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), your provider might order pulmonary function testing to see if it’s getting worse.

At Pulmonary Consultants of San Antonio, the team uses pulmonary function testing to diagnose various conditions, including:

• Asthma
• Chronic bronchitis
• Respiratory infections
• Lung fibrosis
• COPD
• Sarcoidosis (inflammation of your lungs, liver, or other tissues)
• Chest muscle weakness

If you have lung cancer, pulmonary function testing may help determine if you’re a candidate for surgery.

The team at Pulmonary Consultants of San Antonio offers several types of pulmonary function testing, including:

Spirometry
Spirometry is a quick, painless test that measures the amount of air you exhale after taking a deep breath. It also assesses how fast you’re able to blow the air out. To ensure accurate results, you might be asked to take a medication that opens your airways beforehand.

Six-minute walk test
A six-minute walk test is a type of pulmonary function test that assesses your aerobic capabilities and endurance. Specifically, it gauges how your heart and respiratory system function during exercise.

Pulse oximetry
Pulse oximetry is a test that measures the amount of oxygen in your red blood cells. During this type of test, your Pulmonary Consultants of San Antonio provider attaches a pulse oximeter –– a small medical device –– to your index finger.

Once attached to your finger, the device shows an oxygen reading. Any reading of 95 or higher indicates normal oxygen levels. Readings below 95 may be a sign of COPD, asthma, or another chronic respiratory condition.

Chest X-rays
A chest X-ray is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses digital sensors and ionizing radiation to capture photos of your lungs. This type of pulmonary testing can diagnose a variety of conditions, including pneumonia, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, and COPD.

To determine the type of lung function testing that will most benefit you, your Pulmonary Consultants of San Antonio provider reviews your medical history, asks about your symptoms, and conducts an exam. Afterward, they can make testing recommendations that align with your needs.

To learn more about the benefits of lung function testing, make an appointment at Pulmonary Consultants of San Antonio by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.