Pulmonary function test

Ames

Hi, I just wondered what happens at one? My doctor said they pinch your nose and you blow into a tube, but the appointment says that it lasts an hour, and I doubt even an elephant has lung capacity to make one exhale last that long!

The letter didn't give any information about what happens, just what to do and not do for a few hours beforehand.

I'm not worried, just curious. I'll take a book with me, but will I be able to read if I have some kind of mask over my face? And is it particularly uncomfortable?

I hope this isn't classed as asking for medical advice, as I've got the medical stuff covered, it's just the practicalities I'm not sure about.

Superbiatch

We have some machines in work which measure lung function which may be what you're about to do. This determines your lung age and any damage you may have done being a smoker. It involves blowing into a machine three times and it can be quite hard going from past experience (I had a go and hadn't smoked for quite a while!). Are you having it as part of a general check up or to look for something specific?

Re-reading your original post it sounds as though it is much more in depth and might even involve a treadmill to check lung function.

Ames

I'm not a smoker, never have been (don't mean that to sound snippy, sorry if it does). I've got a primary immunodeficiency disorder, and had three chest infections last winter. My condition can mean that they cause hidden damage, so I'm having the test and a CT scan to check it out.

I hope it's not a treadmill test as I have serious mobility problems, I'm not sure I could manage one minute let alone 60. I doubt my specialist would have arranged that though, as he knows the problems.

Superbiatch

Ames wrote: »

I'm not a smoker, never have been (don't mean that to sound snippy, sorry if it does). I've got a primary immunodeficiency disorder, and had three chest infections last winter. My condition can mean that they cause hidden damage, so I'm having the test and a CT scan to check it out.

I hope it's not a treadmill test as I have serious mobility problems, I'm not sure I could manage one minute let alone 60. I doubt my specialist would have arranged that though, as he knows the problems.

In that case then I'd suggest your condition was quite specific, please disregard what i suggested in my earlier post x

Ames

No, what you said was useful, I was just trying to explain that it's a general 'just in case' test, not a 'we think there's x problem' test, to give more info.

Superbiatch

Ames wrote: »

No, what you said was useful, I was just trying to explain that it's a general 'just in case' test, not a 'we think there's x problem' test, to give more info.

Well yes you are correct in someone like yourself, pulmonary rehab problems go a little deeper than lifetstyle which is very typical of the area i live and work in (NW England). Due to social issues in NW, smoking related illnesses and deaths are very high.

Errata

I had pulmonary function tests at Leeds General. They were quite sophisticated and entailed me sitting in a glass sided box and following the technicians instructions by breathing in and out in different ways for a minute or so each time, with a clip on my nose whilst I was doing the breathing. IIRC there was about half a dozen 'tests' with a good break between each one. The whole thing lasted about 45 minutes in total. No discomfort and no exercise bike, thank goodness.

Ames

Thanks Errata, that sounds like it's probably what I'm having, although it's at Jimmy's.

Errata

You're welcome. It's quite interesting, the tekkie tells you how you're doing during the tests as it's the results are instantaneous on the computer.
I wrote Leeds General for quickness and ease of understanding, it was quicker than writing Bexley Wing at Leeds University Hospitals Trust in Leeds
Wishing you well.

Ames

Ah, I thought you meant the Leeds General Infirmary. It's the Bexley wing I'm going to.

sunnyone

just for information they can do the treadmill test while you're sitting in a wheelchair or achair/reclined on a examination couch etc. by giving you an injection that mimics the effects of a treadmill on your heart/lungs etc.