Respiratory Therapy

Pulmonary function tests (also called PFTs or lung function tests) help determine how well your lungs are working. This test tells your medical provider how much air your lungs can hold, how quickly you can move air into and out of your lungs, and how well your lungs are able to use oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide. Results of your PFT will help your medical provider determine if you have a lung disease, how advanced your lung disease is, and how well the treatment for your lung disease is working.

During a (PFT) you will usually be asked to wear a nose clip to make sure that no air passes through your nose during the test. You will then be asked to breathe into a mouthpiece connected to a machine called a spirometer. The respiratory therapist may encourage you to breathe deeply during parts of the test to get the best results.

Preparing for a pulmonary function test:

• You should not eat a large or heavy meal before having this test. A small meal is fine.
• You should not smoke or vape for six hours before the test.
• You should not exercise vigorously for six hours before the test.
• On the day of the test, avoid food or drinks that contain caffeine.
• On the day of the test, wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not restrict your breathing in any way.
• If you have dentures, you may wear them during the test. If they are loose fitting, you may be able to remove them. Speak to the respiratory therapist if you have concerns.
• If you have portable oxygen that is prescribed, please bring it to your appointment.
• Take all medications on the day of the test, except your inhalers.
• Find your inhaled medication on the chart below to see how far in advance of your appointment you need to stop using your inhalers:

What to expect:

Because the test involves some forced and rapid breathing, you may have some temporary shortness of breath or lightheadedness. During the test you breathe through a tight-fitting mouthpiece, using a nose clip. The respiratory therapist will work with you to make you as comfortable as possible during your test.

If you need spirometry testing only, the test will take 20-30 minutes. If you need bronchospasm evaluation testing, it takes about an hour. If you need a complete PFT, please plan on it lasting from 1 to 1.5 hours. Methacholine challenge testing takes from 1.5-2 hours to complete.

The results of your test are reviewed by a pulmonologist and then are forwarded to your medical provider.

We track your heartbeat for a short time (usually for 24-48 hours) during daily life using a Holter monitor. The monitor records your heart’s rhythm through electrodes (small stickers attached to the monitor by wires) that are placed on your chest. This test helps show how your heart responds to normal activity or to certain medications.

There are many reasons your doctor may order this test, including:

• To help detect irregular heartbeats (cardiac arrhythmias, pronounced ay-RITH-me-uhs)
• To help evaluate chest pain
• To help check the heart’s activity after a heart attack
• To help check the heart’s activity after a pacemaker has been inserted
• To help check how certain medicines are working
• To help discover the cause of certain symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting

Preparing for heart monitoring:

There is no special preparation for this test. You will not be able to take a shower or bath while wearing the monitor, so you should do so prior to having the monitor placed. Having clean skin will help the electrodes stay on until the test is complete.

When you arrive for the test, be certain to bring the list of medications that you are currently taking. You may eat and drink prior to the test, with the exception of any restrictions as noted by your health provider. Wear comfortable clothing such as a button-down shirt or blouse to make setup of the monitor easier and prevent electrodes from becoming loose.

What to expect:

Electrodes (small stickers attached to the monitor by wires) will be stuck to your chest. This is painless. You will be told what to do if any of the electrodes loosen or fall off during the test. The electrodes are attached with wires to a portable, battery-operated monitor. The monitor is worn in a pouch, which might be on a strap around your waist, shoulder, or neck. While wearing the monitor, continue to go about your daily activities in your usual way. You will be asked to keep a diary of your activity, medicines, and symptoms while wearing the monitor. It is important to keep the monitor dry.

• Do not shower or take a bath until the monitor is removed
• It is OK to take a sponge bath, but be careful not to get the monitor wet
• Do not disconnect the lead wires or electrodes; this will interfere with the recording

A Cardiac Event Monitor is a battery-powered portable device that is used to record your heart during symptoms, and it may also automatically record if your heart experiences abnormal activity. The monitor automatically transmits the heart’s recording to a receiving center where a certified cardiac technician reviews it for serious or critical criteria and reports the results to the cardiologist at CMH. A cardiac event recorder may be ordered by your doctor when you experience symptoms infrequently or not at all. An event monitor is for long-term monitoring, up to 30 days.

What to expect:

You will be told how, where and when to wear the event monitor. Electrodes (small stickers attached to the monitor by wires) will be adhered to your chest. This is painless. Starting with clean skin will help the electrodes stick; however, you will be told what to do if any of the electrodes loosen or fall off during the test.

The electrodes are attached with wires to a portable, battery-operated monitor. The monitor is worn in a pouch, which might be on a strap around your waist, shoulder, or neck. While wearing the monitor, continue to go about your daily activities in your usual way. You will be asked to keep a diary of your activity, medicines, and symptoms while wearing the monitor. It is important to keep the monitor dry.

You may remove the monitor to shower. Follow the instructions given to you by the technician regarding electrode placement, changing electrodes, daily care of the monitor, and returning instructions.