Question 1

why the last 2 docs i visited able to tell me confidently i don't have bronchitis based on xray n listening to my chest? i tot pulmonary tests needed?

Accepted Answer

See below: Bronchitis   is usually an acute infection.It can be bacterial or viral
like influenza.   Usually with bronchitis you have some abnormal breath  sounds. Usually the   cxr is normal.
Pulm function rests are not necessary to diagnose bronchitis.

Question 2

how do you do pulmonary function tests?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary function: Pulmonary function testing generally requires a person to sit in a booth and breathe through a mouthpiece. A machine analyzes the flow and volume of air moving trough the lungs. The procedure is benign and not painful.

Question 3

how much do pulmonary function tests costs?

Accepted Answer

Depends: A full lung function test may cost several  hundred dollars. Those you get at a doctor's office is usually reimbursed at around $50 by the insurer. Price may vary from locations.

Question 4

what kind of doctors perform pulmonary function tests and exercise stress tests?

Accepted Answer

See below: Pfts are usually performed and interpreted by pulmonologists but any internal medicine trained doctor can interpret them.  Stress tests are usually done by cardiologists but some internists do them as well.

Question 5

my doctor said i need to have full pulmonary function tests. what can i expect?

Accepted Answer

45 Minutes: It takes approximately 45 minutes to complete full pulmonary function tests.  The first part of the test will involve measurement of your spirometry (fev1 and fvc); you will be required to take large breaths of air and blow them out through a small tube attached to a machine.  Next you will measure lung volumes and tlco (see my answer on tlco elsewhere in this section).  The test is non invasive.

Question 6

can my asthma be severe even with normal pulmonary function tests?  can my asthma give an elevated temperature?

Accepted Answer

Yes and No: When asthma is controlled, there should be normal lung function tests.  Even individuals with mild asthma can have severe attacks (with decreased lung function) and even die from asthma.  During an asthma attack, fever is not a typical finding unless an infection such as a virus is the trigger.  Other causes of asthma attacks are allergies, exercise, smoke/irritants, and sinus infections.

Question 7

are there tables available for interpretation of pulmonary function tests? i had assumed there would be charts with ranges of normal values and flags for abnormal results, such as on blood tests. but finding usable information is difficult?

Accepted Answer

: I would discuss with your pulmonologist. I know the NHANES study measures pull function from time to time and the likely have some tables or graphs. Go to CDC and see what you can find.  Another source would be to go to uptodate.com and pay for a 1 months subscription and read all about it including links to Society Guidelines. Also disuss with your local pulmonary function lab as they VA data.

Question 8

do primary care doctors have the ability to do pulmonary function tests in their office?

Accepted Answer

Yes: As long as they are trained and have the right equipment, they definitely can.

Question 9

what type of doctors perform pulmonary function tests/exercise stress test/cardio-pulmonary stress tests?

Accepted Answer

Cardiologist: Cardiologist and pulmonary specialist.

Question 10

recently had pulmonary function tests that show 40% lung function.  i am in search of an adult pectus excuvatum specialist.

Accepted Answer

1st pulmonologist: You need to consult a pulmonologist to find out the cause for your lung function loss (you didn't specify which measurement was at 40%) before you consider doing anything about your pectus excavatum.  You would have to be extremely deformed for the lung function to be so impacted by the pectus. Besides surgical correction will not likely be done until you have a decent lung function.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

PULMONARY TESTS

A member asked:

Why the last 2 docs i visited able to tell me confidently i don't have bronchitis based on xray n listening to my chest? i tot pulmonary tests needed?

A member asked:

How do you do pulmonary function tests?

A member asked:

How much do pulmonary function tests costs?

A member asked:

What kind of doctors perform pulmonary function tests and exercise stress tests?

A member asked:

My doctor said i need to have full pulmonary function tests. what can i expect?

A member asked:

Can my asthma be severe even with normal pulmonary function tests? can my asthma give an elevated temperature?

A member asked:

Are there tables available for interpretation of pulmonary function tests? i had assumed there would be charts with ranges of normal values and flags for abnormal results, such as on blood tests. but finding usable information is difficult?

A member asked:

Do primary care doctors have the ability to do pulmonary function tests in their office?

A member asked:

What type of doctors perform pulmonary function tests/exercise stress test/cardio-pulmonary stress tests?

A member asked:

Recently had pulmonary function tests that show 40% lung function. i am in search of an adult pectus excuvatum specialist.

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?