Pulmonary Critical Care Tests in Westmoreland County
Pulmonary Function Test
Pulmonary function testing is ordered by Dr. Jain for patients suspected of having underlying lung problems such as asthma or COPD to evaluate their lung function. The testing may consist of one or several test procedures, all of which require special equipment, trained technologists, and a qualified professional to interpret the results.
At Westmoreland Sleep Medicine, Dr. Jain is also a board-certified pulmonologist who can provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of your lung condition. During your office visit, if Dr. Jain believes that you need a pulmonary function test, it is done on site the same day to hasten your evaluation. The PFT lab is easily accessible in the office and you do not have to walk a lot to get to the testing site. During the pulmonary function test, Dr. Jain will measure how well you’re able to breathe by analyzing the amount and speed of air that can be inhaled and exhaled during normal breathing.
If you think you may benefit from pulmonary function testing, please contact us to learn more about the testing process and how it can be used to diagnose and manage chronic lung conditions. We will work with you to ensure that you understand what is happening during your test so that you feel comfortable and informed throughout the entire process.
Ready for your first consultation? Request an appointment with us online today.
Pulmonary Test Procedure | Scottdale, PA
Diagnostic Tests & Lung Disease Treatment
Depending on your symptoms and needs, Dr. Jain may recommend one of several types of lung function tests to achieve an accurate diagnosis. Some of the tests Dr. Jain performs include the following:
Spirometry
Spirometry is a tool used to evaluate how well air is moving into and out of the lungs. When performing a spirometry test for asthma, the individual exhales as hard and fast as they can and then inhales rapidly. By evaluating information gathered during this test, we can determine certain characteristics about air flowing into and out of the lungs. The person being tested is then compared to a "normal" group. This normal group is simply a selected group of people of the same age, height, race and sex, who do not suffer from lung disease.
From the information gathered with this test we make certain deductions about what is happening throughout the lung. We focus primarily on obstructive lung disease (COPD) and its level of severity with this testing.
Obstructive lung disease is a problem within the airways that does not allow airflow to move smoothly from the alveoli (air sacs of the lungs) and smallest airways out through your trachea (main windpipe) and ultimately out through your mouth when you exhale or inhale. There are a number of common and uncommon processes that can lead to this kind of a problem. Some of the more common diseases include emphysema, asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Bronchodilator Testing with Spirometry
This test is performed when an obstruction is identified by the initial spirometry. A bronchodilator is a medication which will help open up airways which have bronchoconstriction (the airway is partially closed off). The goal of this test is to identify how much, if any, of a patient's obstructive disease can be reversed. This information is used both for clarifying the diagnosis, and to help determine the correct medications for treatment.
Body Plethysmography - Lung Volume Assessment
Another tool used to assess lung function is body plethysmography. With this tool, the volumes of the lung are evaluated. Although the lung would appear to have only two obvious volumes, empty and full, there are actually four different volumes and four combinations of volumes known as capacities that are used to assess the lung. Body plethysmography is the most accurate means available at this time to assess lung volumes.
Diffusing Capacity (DLCO)
This test is used to evaluate how well oxygen moves into and out of the lungs. Certain diseases will lead to difficulties in getting oxygen from in the alveoli (air sac in the lung) into the blood where it is carried to the rest of the body. Identifying problems with this process in the lung can identify people at risk for needing oxygen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know before my pulmonary function test?
Before a pulmonary function test, you should talk to your doctor about any medications you’re taking, as some medicines can affect the test results. You should also let Dr. Jain know about any medical conditions that may interfere with the test.
Pulmonary function tests are not usually painful and involve breathing normally into a device that measures your lung capacity.
What should I expect after my test?
After the test, you can go back to your normal daily activities. Dr. Jain will review the results of the tests and discuss any next steps with you.
Do you accept insurance for pulmonary medicine near me?
Yes, Dr. Jain is in network and accepted by all major health insurers including Highmark BCBS, UPMC, United, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Tricare, Medicare, Medicaid and Advantra. To view our full list of accepted providers, visit our Insurance page, and don’t hesitate to reach out to our staff with any questions.
How can I get started with the best pulmonologist near me?
Westmoreland Sleep Medicine makes it easy to get started on your road to better sleep. Just use our online scheduling tool to request your first consultation with Dr. Jain at a time that’s right for you.