Lung Function Tests for Asthma
Lung Function Tests for Asthma
Ask your doctor if there is anything you need to do to prepare for spirometry if you're having lung function tests done.
Before taking a methacholine challenge test, be sure to tell your doctor if you have recently had a viral infection, such as a cold, or any shots or immunizations, since these might affect the test results.
Other general preparations to follow before lung function tests for asthma include the following:
Be prepared to adjust your asthma drugs. Some asthma medications can affect the test results. Different medications must be stopped at different intervals. For example, a short-acting inhaled bronchodilator like albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil) should be stopped eight hours before testing, but long-acting inhaled bronchodilators cannot be taken for 48 hours. Your doctor will tell you how long before testing you should discontinue any drugs you are taking. Don't stop taking any of your asthma medications without first talking to your doctor.
In this article
- What Are the Different Lung Function Tests for Asthma?
- How Do I Prepare for a Lung Function Test?
- Can I Use Asthma Drugs Before a Lung Function Test?
How Do I Prepare for a Lung Function Test?
Ask your doctor if there is anything you need to do to prepare for spirometry if you're having lung function tests done.
Before taking a methacholine challenge test, be sure to tell your doctor if you have recently had a viral infection, such as a cold, or any shots or immunizations, since these might affect the test results.
Other general preparations to follow before lung function tests for asthma include the following:
- Do not smoke on the day of the test.
- Do not have coffee, tea, cola, or chocolate on the day of the test.
- Avoid exercise and cold air exposure on the day of the test.
Can I Use Asthma Drugs Before a Lung Function Test?
Be prepared to adjust your asthma drugs. Some asthma medications can affect the test results. Different medications must be stopped at different intervals. For example, a short-acting inhaled bronchodilator like albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil) should be stopped eight hours before testing, but long-acting inhaled bronchodilators cannot be taken for 48 hours. Your doctor will tell you how long before testing you should discontinue any drugs you are taking. Don't stop taking any of your asthma medications without first talking to your doctor.
Source...