Pulmonary Function Testing

Evaluating lung function to help diagnose

and decide treatment

Pulmonary Function Testing

Using state-of-the-art equipment to measure

lung functionality

Where to Find  Us

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Welcome to Community Medical Centers 
Pulmonary Function Testing

Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is noninvasive testing that's done to evaluate lung function. It can help your doctor diagnose certain lung disorders and decide the appropriate treatment, as well as identify improvement or decline in your lungs to determine if a change in your current treatment is necessary.


What is the Purpose of Pulmonary Function Testing?

There are a number of reasons why you might have PFT done. It can be part of a routine physical. It can also be used to evaluate occupational health hazards from professions related to agriculture, coal mines, poultry farms or the military. Your doctor may order tests to help diagnose or evaluate a variety of medical conditions, including: 


  • Chronic lung conditions such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis (a condition where the airways become abnormally thick and wide)

  • Pre-surgery screening and post-surgery evaluation

  • Upper airway obstruction

  • Evaluation of heart or cancer medications’ effects on breathing

  • Evaluation of non-surgical treatments and therapies for lung conditions

  • Restrictive airway problems from scoliosis, tumors, or inflammation or scarring of the lungs

  • Asbestosis (a lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers)

  • Scleroderma (a disease that causes thickening and hardening of connective tissue)

  • Weakness of breathing muscles due to neuromuscular conditions

  • Trending of lung function for progressive diseases



Why Choose Community?
Two female respiratory therapists in masks monitor lung measuring equipment

All pulmonary function testing at Community Medical Centers is interpreted by board-certified pulmonologists. 


Not only that, all of our staff are registered respiratory therapists, and most are also registered pulmonary function technologists.

Testing We Offer:


Your doctor will typically order a combination of the above tests to get a well-rounded picture of your lung function. If you have any questions, please call us at (559) 459-3947.

How to Get the Most Accurate Test

To get an accurate test, you should wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment and be able to follow instructions during the test. Your full cooperation and participation is very important. We advise pausing certain pain medications that will make you sleepy during the test, and smoking or drinking alcohol for a period of time prior to testing. Detailed instructions will be provided to you along with a list of respiratory medications to avoid before your test.
 
To ensure you and your doctor receive an accurate picture of how well your lungs are working, we use state-of-the-art equipment to measure functionality, and follow guidelines set by the American Thoracic Society (ATS). 
 
Our licensed respiratory therapists are patient-focused and rigorously trained to provide safe and quality testing procedures. We walk you through every step to get the most accurate results possible, making sure you’re comfortable with the care you receive.


Risks

Pulmonary function testing presents minimal risk. Patients have reported symptoms such as lightheadedness, dizziness, coughing or shortness of breath during the procedures. It’s not recommended you have PFT done if you:


  • Have active tuberculosis or respiratory infection due to cold or flu

  • Had a recent heart attack or stroke

  • Have acute chest pain

  • Had recent eye, chest or stomach surgery

  • Have an aneurysm in the chest, stomach or brain

  • Have stomach bloating that prevents taking deep breaths

 
Talk with your healthcare provider about any conditions you have to determine how these risks may apply to you.


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