What is this test for?

Pulmonary function tests are usually ordered if you are having symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, or coughing. They are also used to monitor lung disease, evaluate preoperative risk, or watch for adverse effects from medication or occupational exposure to injurious agents. Pulmonary function testing is useful in diagnosing or ruling out certain respiratory conditions and is one of the tools doctors use to make an accurate diagnosis and devise a treatment plan.

Are there risks?

Pulmonary function testing is safe for most people. You will be asked to arrive for your appointment 15 minutes early to complete a pre-examination questionnaire to assess if there are any contraindications to performing the testing at that time.

During your test, you will be guided by a Registered Respiratory Therapist through a series of breathing tests that involve inhaling until completely full, exhaling until completely empty, breathing out hard and fast or breathing in and out quickly. You may feel dizzy or experience shortness of breath. There’s also a risk that you may faint. If you feel lightheaded, please advise the Registered Respiratory Therapist immediately.

A bronchodilator may be administered as part of the test. If administered, potential side effects include nervousness, shaking/trembling (particularly in the hands), tachycardia, headache, mouth/throat dryness or irritation, cough, nausea, or dizziness. Side effects generally go away within 30 minutes or a few hours at most.

If you are on oxygen therapy, bring an adequate supply with you to perform testing and get home safely. Depending on the testing requested by your physician, testing could last 30-60 minutes. If clinically acceptable, your oxygen may be removed for less than 10 minutes prior to one of the tests.

Please advise the Registered Respiratory Therapist if you experience any pain or discomfort during testing.