Pulmonology Consultation and Lung Function Testing
Dr Tony Tom offers Pulmonology consultations and Lung Function Testing services to patients who suffer from breathing issues. These breathing issues can be obstructive or restrictive. Obstructive issues occur when air has trouble flowing out of the lungs due to airway resistance. This causes a decreased flow of air. Restrictive issues occur when the lung tissue and/or chest muscles can’t fully expand, which creates complications with air flow, these are mostly due to lower lung volumes.
Patients who come in for consultations and testing could be suffering from various complaints or conditions which could include: allergies, respiratory infections, scoliosis, tumors, or inflammation of the lungs, or they could be having trouble breathing because of an injury to the chest or a recent surgery. Other chronic lung issues consist of conditions such as asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis, sarcoidosis (a disease that causes lumps of inflammatory cells around organs), scleroderma (a disease that causes thickening and hardening of connective tissue) or more rarely nowadays, asbestosis (a lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibres).
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are common, noninvasive tests that indicate how well the lungs are functioning. The tests measure lung volume, lung capacity, rates of flow, and the gas exchange that is taking place. This information will help us to diagnose patients and determine further treatment. PFTs can be performed using two methods; namely Spirometry – which uses a spirometer device - a mouthpiece hooked up to a small electronic machine that you breathe into, or Plethysmography – a test where the patient sits or stands inside an air-tight box that looks similar to a telephone booth to do the tests. A plethysmography test measures changes in volume in the body. These two methods may also be used together. Different tests are performed, depending on the information Dr Tom is looking for.
Pulmonary function tests are quick and safe for most people. One must just be able to follow clear, simple directions. Some discomfort may be experienced; however, this should be limited to dizziness, shortness of breath, coughing, or the triggering of an asthma attack due to the deep inhalation required for the test. Before the test your height and weight will be recorded. It’s best to wear loose clothing and remove jewellery. If you wear dentures, you should keep them in for the test. You’ll need to empty your bladder. Also, you should avoid heavy meals or smoking, and make sure to tell us about all the medications and supplements you are taking.
PFTs should be avoided if you have an active respiratory infections such as TB, a cold or the flu. PFTs should be avoided if you have had recent eye, belly, or chest surgery, owing to the increased pressure during the procedure. Also, if you’ve had a recent heart attack, or an unstable heart condition or have a bulging blood vessel (aneurysm) in the chest, belly, or brain.
Dr Tony Tom will advise you on which tests you need, how to prepare for them, what to expect during the tests, and you will also be informed about which things can make PFTs less accurate. You are welcome to discuss any concerns you may have with us.