A pulmonary function test is used to assess the function of your lungs. This is also known as spirometry. We will examine your lung capacity, constriction of the airways and your reaction to certain types of inhaled medication (puffers). This can tell us whether you have asthma and COPD and how severe these conditions are. Asthma and COPD are chronic conditions. By performing annual pulmonary function tests, we can determine how healthy your lungs are and whether you are receiving the optimal treatment.
Why do I need this exam?
Your practitioner (general practitioner or nurse practitioner) has ordered a pulmonary function test for you to discover the cause of your respiratory and lung complaints. With a pulmonary function test, we can determine if you have asthma or COPD. These conditions are not easy to diagnose with an X-ray of the lungs.
If you have been signed up for the special Asthma/COPD service, your pulmonary function test will be repeated regularly. The test results can be used to assess the condition of your lungs and airways. This will allow your practitioner to tailor your treatment and medication accordingly. With asthma and COPD, it is very important that you receive the right dosage of the right medication. You are treated to alleviate your symptoms, but also to prevent the - often unnoticed - deterioration of your pulmonary function. Pulmonary function tests are essential for the effectiveness of your treatment.
What will we do?
We conduct several tests with a spirometer to measure your lung capacity. We test your pulmonary function to detect any constrictions in your airways. In most cases, we will also assess the effect of a bronchodilator on your pulmonary function. You will be asked to inhale a type of medication for this.
Duration of the exam
The exam will take circa 35 minutes in total.
How soon can you see me?
We want to help you as quickly as possible, which is why we keep the waiting times short at Diagnostiek voor U. Take a look at the current overview of waiting times for the various exams or read more about our waiting times on this page.
The results
One of Diagnostiek voor U's pneumonologists will review your pulmonary function test. Using the test results and the information from your general practitioner and the survey you filled out, the pneumonologist will draw a conclusion and present their treatment recommendations to your general practitioner and nurse practitioner. Schedule an appointment with your general practitioner or nurse practitioner to discuss your results.
You can also check the results of your exam in the MijnDiagnostiekvoorU client portal. You are free to choose whether you want to look at your results before discussing them with your caregiver.
