[Monty_girl]

I had my physical yesterday and my doc is sending me for a pulmonary function test at the hospital tuesday. Has anyone had a PFT? I'm just wondering what to except. My doc gave me an inhaler already, Proair, for when I wheeze or get short of breath. I've had to use it once already and noticed a difference after I used it. Surprised the h*** out of me that it actually did something. I've been in denial that I could have asthma for a few years now. Any info would help me.

[tranquility]

Hi there-

I'm asthmatic and on singulair pills and advair inhaler daily. I have had a PFT in the past.

It's painless They basically have you breathing into a tube and it measures your lung capacity. They will also make you like hyperventilate at one point and you'll feel a bit dizzy but it's not bad. They then give you a puff of an inhaler to measure your capacity again.

I think it takes about 45 min to an hour.

Good luck!
Tranquility

[heyjoe]

Iv e had a lot of them and mine were never more than 30 minutes including a rest period. The only thing i would add to what tranquility said is that you blow out as hard and as fast as you can, they will explain it. Also you will have to do this at least 6 times total. Nothing to be concerned with. They are looking to see how much your fev1 (expulsion of breath the first second) increases with the use of a bronchodilator.

Now a methylcholine challenge thats another story.

[Gemstone]

I think mine was less than 30 minutes too. I've had them done quite a few times.

It basically what was explained above. Not a big deal.

I'm glad the inhaler is helping you!