There are several ways to assess lung function, including computer testing and physical examinations. Please note that most effective lung testing must be done in a clinical setting, as at-home testing is not always reliable. Learn more about the different ways we can clinically test lung functionality below.
Spirometry Lung Testing
This is a type of computer that measures your lung function. Blowing into this device gives us measurements of how your lungs are functioning compared to pre-established measurements.
- Anyone with asthma needs to undergo Spirometry testing, if possible, however you must be old enough and able to blow into the device, so young children under 5 years of age cannot always participate
- The device will show you numbers that correlate with how well your lungs are working
- The data can tell if treatment is working by comparing you readout with previous visits
- You can trend your lung function to map your progress
- After time, the data may be able to tell you if you have had asthma for a long time or if inflammation of the airways has led to some damage (called airway remodeling)
- Many doctors have these machines located within their offices
Peak Flow Meters
These are metal, plastic or even computerized devices that are compact enough to carry around or keep at home or school
- As you blow hard into the device and the dial will respond with a number reading, which correlates to the maximum amount of air you can exhale or blow out at one time
- There are established normal values that you can use as comparison or you can compare the numbers to your own history (trending)
- Trending your numbers is easy and helps monitor your asthma and its progression
- The main benefit of having this device is being able to closely monitor your numbers on your own and writing down those numbers on a graph to seeing how your lungs are functioning. If the numbers drop, then you know your asthma is flaring up and you can respond accordingly
- If your value drops, you should use a bronchodilator, and as it works you will be able to watch your values improve with your subsequent peak flow readings.
- A peak flow meter will help monitor the overall ups and downs of your lung function
Physical Examination for Lung Function
There is no substitute for a physical examination when your asthma has flared up.
- When your asthma is under control, you show no physical symptoms
- During a flare-up or exacerbation of asthma you can see extra effort in breathing, increased breathing rate, coughing, and wheezing
In Children signs of an asthma flare up can vary from mild to serious:
- An asthma flare up in a child can start with coughing and as it progresses, the coughing can become more frequent
- Some children will wheeze, while other children will not
- More serious signs of an asthma flare up are: respiratory rate above 40 respirations per minute, the spaces between the ribs are sinking in with respirations (intercostal retractions), the stomach going in as the chest goes out and the stomach and chest heaving (abdomino-costal breathing), coughing and vomiting phlegm
- Rapid respirations may fatigue the child and he or she may be unable to provide enough oxygen during an asthma attack
- Paleness in the face or the lips turning blue or pale fingernail beds are very serious
In Adults signs of an asthma flare up also can vary from mild to serious:
- Coughing, wheezing and chest tightness can occur
- The wheezing and tightness will increase as the flare up becomes more serious, but most adults can spend many days and nights just feeling tight and congested in the chest
- Respiratory rate can increase and it may become difficult to breathe due to the tightness in the chest
- Due to rapid respirations a person may wear out and get tired, unable to keep the respiratory rate fast enough to provide enough oxygen to the system
- Paleness in the face or the lips turning blue or pale fingernail beds are very serious
- Many adults will abuse their albuterol inhaler looking for some relief, but unfortunately the overuse of the bronchodilator can lead to more serious problems, which may require hospitalization
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