Pulmonary function tests

Do not eat a heavy meal before the test. Do not smoke for 4 to 6 hours prior to the test. Specific instructions will be given if bronchodilators or inhaler medications should be withheld. Sometimes, medication may be inhaled prior to the test.

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Children:

The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel:

Since the test involves some forced breathing and rapid breathing, some temporary shortness of breath or lightheadedness may be experienced. There is a tight fitting mouth piece to breathe through, and nose clips are applied.

Why the test is performed:

The test is performed to diagnose certain types of lung disease (especially asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema), to determine the cause of shortness of breath, or to measure whether occupational exposure to contaminants affects lung function. It can also be used after the administration of medications to assess their effect, and to measure progress in disease treatment.