Pulmonary function tests are some sets of noninvasive tests performed to assess the specific or overall performances of the pulmonary system.
The cost of performing a Pulmonary Function Test is relative and not specific, depending on a particular test, or group of tests required.
What is the cost of doing pulmonary function test?
As I mentioned earlier, the cost of performing a pulmonary function test is relative depending on the number of things your pulmonologist wants to probe. According to MD-save, the average cost of performing this test ranges from $330 to $966. These figures are not static. They may be higher or lower. The number of tests carried out determines the actual cost.
REASONS FOR PULMONARY FUNCTION TEST
Pulmonary function test has both diagnostic and therapeutic/clinical significance. Diagnostically, a pulmonary function test may be requested for the following reasons:
When you present with symptoms of lung complications/conditions: This may come as a result of a difficulty in breathing, stridor- the hash vibrating sound that may be when the airways are obstructed, shortness of breath.
When you are constantly exposed to irritants due to your working environment. The industrial irritants include carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen, and so on.
As a preoperative procedural exercise to determine the stability of the system during such surgical processes in the heart, lung, chest, etc.
For the diagnosis of chronic diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive disorder. Clinically/therapeutically, Pulmonary Function Test may be done;
When you are an athlete that performs a lot of sporty activities. This is done to ascertain your physical fitness for the exercise.
To ascertain the kind of drugs that can be prescribed in cases of other conditions. The lung is also an organ of drug metabolism, and hence, when its function is compromised, the ability to metabolize certain drugs that are organ-specific is reduced for drugs metabolized by the lung cells. Also, drugs that have the potential of causing lung damage could be withdrawn following the result of the Pulmonary Function Test.
TEST EQUIPMENT AND TECHNIQUES
Use of Spirometer
Spirometry uses an instrument called the spirometer. This test requires the patient to take a deep breath and then exhale after a given time. It measures the volume of air the patient was able to exhale from the system and how fast he could exhale them. During this procedure, you are required to sit straightened and then breathe into the tube provided. Then a clip is attached to the nose which will enable you to breathe out air through it. You take a deep breath, then exhale with force on the instructions of the technician. This test is important in diagnosing asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Physical Exercise of the Cardiopulmonary System
This test requires subjecting you to any physical activity like, walking, running, jumping, hiking, and so on, to check how the lung, the heart, the blood vessels, and the muscles respond to strenuous activities and also to check how much oxygen is circulated by the lungs. Vital signs like; blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation level would be taken before and after the exercise.
Plethysmography Test
Plethysmography is used to measure the gas volume of the lungs. In this procedure, you sit or stand in a small enclosed area and breathe into a tube while the doctor measures the volume of air by
taking the pressure reading of the area. The volume determination is based on Boyle’s law when the temperature is constant.
Things to look out for during Pulmonary Function Test
There are already established standards for each of the parameters assessed in the pulmonary function test.
The lung volumes measured are Tidal volume, Inspiratory volume, expiratory volume, and residual volume. These volumes have a standard range, hence, a deviation from this range would be probed.
An oximeter reading of 80-90. Any value outside the range with a significant difference is examined.
The heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen pressure are all monitored during a cardiopulmonary exercise test.
How to maintain the Pulmonary System
The pulmonary system is one of the vital systems of the body. Adequate care is paramount for its optimal performance.
The following steps should always be taken to ensure its maximal function.
Adequate exercise to improve the air sack and airway function.
Reduce physical activity if you have a chronic respiratory condition like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) if you work in an environment that exposes you to toxic irritant gases like carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen gas, etc.
See a pulmonologist when you detect any obstruction in your airway or have symptoms related to a respiratory disorder.
