- reception@swcpc.com.au
- Suite 2.12, 90 Podium Way, Oran Park New South Wales 2570, Australia
Respiratory function testing, also known as a lung function test, is a group of tests designed to assess how well your lungs are working. These tests measure how effectively your lungs can inhale and exhale air, and how efficiently they transfer oxygen into the bloodstream.
This is a crucial diagnostic tool in identifying respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis, or monitoring ongoing conditions like sleep apnoea.
Dr. Paul Packard
Understanding the health of your lungs can prevent serious conditions from worsening and help tailor treatments to improve your breathing and overall health. Early diagnosis of respiratory issues can significantly improve long-term outcomes.
Spirometry measures how much air you can breathe out and how quickly you can do it. It’s the most common test to diagnose asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
This test is often performed alongside spirometry to see how your airways respond to medication.
This measures the total volume of air your lungs can hold, providing insights into restrictive lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis.
A gas diffusion test measures how well your lungs move oxygen into your blood. It’s often used to diagnose emphysema and other lung conditions that affect oxygen exchange.
Preparing for a respiratory function test is simple, but it’s important to follow a few key guidelines for accurate results:
For those experiencing sleep apnoea, we offer comprehensive home-based sleep studies to diagnose conditions while allowing patients the comfort of testing at home.
A bronchoscopy allows us to look inside the lungs and diagnose conditions like lung cancer and bronchitis. It’s typically performed in cases where a more detailed examination of the airways is needed.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may need a respiratory function test:
A typical test takes around 30 to 90 minutes depending on the types of tests involved. Some tests, like spirometry, take only a few minutes, while more comprehensive tests may take longer.
No, these tests are non-invasive and do not cause any discomfort. You may experience mild shortness of breath during certain tests, but it’s only temporary.
Lung function results vary based on your age, gender, height, and ethnicity. Your doctor will interpret the results and discuss the next steps with you based on your specific circumstances.
Avoid smoking or heavy meals before your test. If you’re on any medication, check with your doctor on whether to take it before the test.
At Southwest Pulmonary and Sleep Centre, we pride ourselves on delivering the highest level of care for individuals facing respiratory challenges. Our specialists are highly trained in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, including asthma, COPD, and lung cancer.
If you’re experiencing breathing difficulties or suspect a lung condition, don’t wait—early diagnosis can save lives.
Phone : (02) 4607 5010
Monday - Saturday : 08:30-16:30 Sunday : Closed
