Pulmonary Function Testing (Spirometry) for Asthma
If you’re struggling with symptoms like a persistent cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath, getting a clear diagnosis is the first and most important step to feeling better. At The Allergy Institute of Chicago, we use Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT), specifically a breathing test called Spirometry, to accurately diagnose asthma. This simple, painless test provides the objective data we need to understand your lung health and create a treatment plan that helps you take control of your breathing.
Diagnosing Asthma with a Breathing Test (Spirometry)
While your symptoms provide important clues, a spirometry test gives us the scientific proof needed to confirm an asthma diagnosis. The test is a simple process that measures how much air you can breathe out and how fast you can do it. For an asthma diagnosis, we perform a specific two-part procedure.
- The Baseline Test: First, you will perform the breathing test to measure your lung function at rest. This gives us your baseline numbers.
- The Post-Bronchodilator Test: Next, we will give you a few puffs of a rescue inhaler medication (a bronchodilator). After waiting a few minutes for the medicine to work, you will repeat the breathing test.
By comparing the results of these two tests, we can see if your airway obstruction is reversible, which is the classic sign of asthma.
Understanding Your Spirometry Test Results
Your spirometry report will show several numbers, but for an asthma diagnosis, we look for two key things:
- An Obstructive Pattern: This is indicated by a low ratio between two numbers: your FEV1 (the amount of air you can force out in one second) and your FVC (the total amount of air you can force out).
- Significant Reversibility: This is the most important part. If your FEV1 number improves by 12% or more after using the bronchodilator, it is a positive test and confirms a diagnosis of asthma.
Dr. Shah will review these results with you immediately, explaining exactly what they mean for your health.
The Spirometry Test: What to Expect
The test is quick, easy, and painless. You’ll simply sit comfortably and breathe into a mouthpiece connected to the spirometer. Our technician will coach you through a series of breathing maneuvers, which involve taking a very deep breath in and then blasting the air out as hard and as fast as you can. The entire process, including the waiting period after the inhaler, is usually completed in about 30 minutes.
Conditions We Evaluate with Pulmonary Function Testing
Pulmonary Function Testing with spirometry is a critical diagnostic tool for a wide range of respiratory conditions, including:
- Asthma
- Allergic Asthma
- Chronic Cough
- Wheezing
- COPD
- Vocal Cord Dysfunction
- Nasal Polyps
- Restrictive lung disease such as fibrosis
Your Diagnosis is Confirmed: What’s Next?
Getting a definitive asthma diagnosis is a moment of clarity. It means we can stop guessing and start creating a precise, effective treatment plan. An accurate diagnosis is the foundation for successful, long-term control of your symptoms.
Once your diagnosis is confirmed, the next step is to develop a personalized strategy. Learn more about our comprehensive approach at our Asthma Management service page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Asthma Breathing Tests
Is the test difficult to do if I have asthma?
Our trained technicians are experts at coaching patients through the breathing maneuvers. The test is designed to be performed safely, and we will guide you through every step.
Can I use my rescue inhaler before the test?
No. To get an accurate baseline reading, you will need to avoid using your short-acting rescue inhaler (like Albuterol) for at least 4-6 hours before your test. We will provide you with a full list of medications to avoid.
What if my test is normal, but I still have symptoms?
Sometimes, lung function can be normal between asthma flares. If your spirometry is normal but asthma is still suspected, Dr. Shah may recommend another type of test, like a methacholine challenge, to get a clear answer.
Get a Clear Diagnosis. Breathe Easier.
Don’t let unexplained respiratory symptoms control your life. A spirometry test provides the clear, objective data needed to make an informed diagnosis. It’s the essential first step toward a personalized treatment plan that can give you back the freedom to breathe easily and live fully.
Contact The Allergy Institute of Chicago at (773) 794-8800 to schedule your asthma breathing test today.
References
- Pulmonary Function Testing: American Lung Association