Coping with...LUNG FUNCTION TESTS

Tests including spirometry, lung volume and diffusion/gas transfer assessments - measure your airway function, the size of your lungs and efficiency of gas exchange, such as oxygen movement in the lungs. They take about 45 minutes, and involve you being seated and breathing into specialist equipment, via a filter and a mouthpiece.
Spirometry measures the amount of air that you inhale and exhale, and how fast you can exhale. You'll need to breathe normally, then breathe in fully and out until your lungs are completely empty.
Then you'll have to blow out as hard and as fast as possible with a clip on your nose, to ensure you mouth-breathe with no air escaping from your nose.
You'll repeat the test several times for accurate results. Sometimes you will be asked to perform spirometry before and 10-20 minutes after using an inhaler - this reversibility test helps the doctor identify whether the inhaler improves your breathing. You may have been warned to withhold certain of your usual medications beforehand.
Lung volumes measure the total size of your lungs, and amount of air remaining in the lungs after a complete breath out, to give detailed information about how your lungs function.
Denne historien er fra March 19, 2024-utgaven av Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9500+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 19, 2024-utgaven av Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9500+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på

A fatal ERROR
Who, or what, is to blame for Geraldine?

WILLING and able
Mary was as good as any lad – and she was going to prove it

PRICELESS
Her father left memories that Aanya would treasure forever

Pigeon TALK
Reenie's unwanted night-time visitor had her spitting feathers

Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY

Follow YOUR STAR
Georgie lived to dance – and now her dream job was within her grasp

GROW A dye garden
Unleash your creativity with plants that produce unique fabric dyes

Sunshine filled PUDDINGS
Delight your guests with these fruity desserts at your next gathering

Help!
Something was missing from Roxanne's life - but what was it?

LOVE on the ward
When Emma Ball needed dialysis treatment, the last thing on her mind was romance