Lung Function Lab Loughview health

 

Lung disease affects 1 in 5 people and is one of the top 3 killers in NI.

Living with the symptoms of a lung disease ie shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, can have massive implications on your quality of life, preventing you from living your life to the fullest.

Diagnosing and treating lung disease earlier in the disease process may prevent further loss of lung function and preserve quality of life.

Asthma and COPD are the two most common lung diseases. There is no cure for Asthma or COPD but both are treatable and manageable. Your GP can monitor your treatment and adjust your medications to improve your quality of life.

 

 

What are lung function tests?

 Lung function tests are performed to investigate how well your lungs are working.

They involve blowing into special equipment to measure various aspects of your lung function such as:

  • Lung capacity

  • Airflow in and out of your airways

  • How efficient your lungs are at transferring oxygen.

  • Inflammation in your airways.

  • How well your airways respond to medication.

Are Lung function tests right for me?

Are you struggling with shortness of breath that has developed over a number or weeks or longer that stops you from doing things you want to do?

Are you bothered by a troublesome cough or wheeze?

Are you prone to repeat chest infections?

Are you on a long waiting list to have lung function testing?

Are you a smoker and are worried about lung damage?

Have you been prescribed inhalers with no diagnosis?

Are you worried you might have Asthma?

 

If you have answered yes to any of the above questions then you may benefit from a diagnostic lung function test.

Here at Loughview Health we can perform a range of lung function tests that can detect the presence or absence of airway / lung disease.

We are able to offer treatment and management plans or recommend further referral onwards to private respiratory consultants or regular NHS referrals depending on the outcome of your tests.

 

 

Why should I take a lung function test?

 

There are several reasons why you might want to have your lung function checked:

  • To detect the presence/absence of airway/ lung disease.

  • If you've been having problems with shortness of breath.

  • If you have symptoms like a troublesome cough, chest tightness or wheeze.

  • If you are prone to repeat chest infections and your doctor feels you're at an increased risk of developing a particular lung condition.

  • To assess the progress of your existing breathing condition by comparing these tests with previous results.

  • To see how your breathing condition improves with different treatments.

Who will conduct my tests?

 

All tests are performed and interpreted to National and European standards by a Lead Clinical Physiologist who is registered and accredited with The Academy of Healthcare Science. The physiologist has at least 15 years’ experience performing diagnostic lung function tests in lung function labs across NI, ROI and England.

 

Tests we preform

 

Spirometry and Flow Volume Loops

 

These tests measure how well air flows through the airways and can detect if there is any narrowing or obstruction in the airways. It can also measure lung capacities that can suggest if there are any issues with the volume of air that you can take into your lungs. Spirometry and flow volume loops are used to diagnose airflow obstruction associated with COPD and Asthma.

 

DLCO (Carbon Monoxide Transfer Factor)  

The primary job of our lungs is to transfer oxygen from the air sacs at the end of the airways to the bloodstream to be taken around the body to where it is needed. This test measures how efficient your lungs are at transferring oxygen over the lung tissue and into the bloodstream. A small harmless amount of carbon monoxide is used to take the measurement as carbon monoxide takes the same path as oxygen through the lungs. DLCO is used to diagnose gas exchange abnormalities in the lungs which may be a cause of breathlessness.

Bronchodilator Reversibility Tests

This test is used to assess how well your lungs respond to inhaled therapy that is designed to open the airways and relieve symptoms of breathlessness (bronchodilator). It requires performing spirometry then inhaling some bronchodilator from an inhaler and then repeating spirometry and assessing the response. This test is used to diagnose Asthma and COPD.

FeNO (Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide)

FeNO is a simple and non -invasive way to assess for airway inflammation. Nitric Oxide is a biomarker found in the breath that can be raised with airway inflammation. This test is used in the diagnosis of Asthma by measuring the levels of Nitric Oxide in exhaled breath

 

 

Who isn’t eligible for testing?

 

Absolute contraindications:

  • Coughing up blood of unknown origin

  • Active untreated Tuberculosis

  • Bulging arteries (aneurysm) in the chest, abdomen or brain.

 

Within 6 weeks:

  • Collapsed lung.

  • Unstable angina

  • Heart attack or blood clots in Lungs

  • Stroke

  •  Surgery – Brain, Vascular, Eye, Abdominal, Chest.

  • Chest infection

  • Pregnancy unless benefit outweighs risk and patient counselled by GP

 

 

Before your appointment

 

Please notify us if you have any contraindications listed above that may affect your ability to perform the tests.

Please bring all inhaled medications (if applicable) to your appointment.

 

 

Try to refrain from:

  • Smoking on the day of the test.

  • Consuming alcohol on the day of the test.

  • Eating a substantial meal for at least 2 hours prior to the test

  • Vigorous exercise for at least 30 minutes before to the test

  • Wearing tight clothing.

  • Using bronchodilators at least 12 hours prior to testing.

  • Eating leafy green vegetables on the day of the test.

 

What happens During your appointment

 

The tests are safe, non-invasive, and painless to perform.  Your appointment will usually take approximately 60-75 minutes depending on what tests you are performing.

The physiologist will take a detailed history and will ask you some safety questions prior to testing. They will also measure your blood pressure and blood oxygen levels prior to testing.

The physiologist will ask you to breathe into a machine through a mouthpiece and perform some breathing manoeuvres. A nose clip will be used to seal your nose and ensure all air is being recorded. Depending on the testing required you may be asked to blow out forcefully or steadily, breathe in fully and hold your breath or inhale some bronchodilator medication.

Performing the tests requires an element of cooperation with the physiologist who will guide you through the process every step of the way to ensure you feel at ease. The physiologist will give you plenty of time to ensure you feel comfortable while testing.

 

After your appointment

You will be able to go home and carry on with your day as normal. Your results will be interpreted by the physiologist and a report will be given to the GP. Depending on what package you book a follow up appointment will be arranged with our GP to discuss your results.

Depending on the outcome of your results the GP can commence you on a bespoke treatment plan or recommend further referral on to a private respiratory consultant or a regular NHS referral.

 

 

Cost

 

We offer two packages 

Suspected Asthma: Spirometry + Reversibility +FeNO + GP follow up - £350 (1 hour apt) – add DLCO for £200 (20min)

Suspected COPD: Spirometry + Reversibility + DLCO + GP follow up - £500 (75 min apt)- add Feno for £50

Individual pricing

Spirometry ( Includes slow and forced spirometry) + report £110

Reversibility + report £220

FeNO + report £50

Carbon monoxide gas transfer factor ( DLCO) + Spirometry ( DLCO cannot be undertaken without spirometry) + Report £330