Different types of Lung Function Tests available in Illinois

Different types of Lung Function Tests available in Illinois

There are several different reasons a patient might need to undergo lung function testing. Some may be exhibiting symptoms of a lung disease. Others may already have a diagnosis, but the severity of the condition or the effectiveness of treatment needs to be evaluated. At Advanced Allergy and Asthma Associates, we offer a variety of lung function tests to help diagnose and treat our patients in Illinois.

Spirometry

We conduct this common lung function test in our office. It checks the amount of air you can move out of your lungs and how quickly you are able to do that. Patients breathe into a mouthpiece that collects the information and records it graphically. Some of the most common conditions that can be diagnosed with spirometry include pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, and COPD. Some of the values that Spirometry tests check for include:

  • The volume of air you can breathe out in one breath (Forced expiratory volume)
  • The volume of air you can breathe out after inhaling deeply (Forced vital capacity)
  • The airflow midway through exhaling (Forced expiratory flow)
  • The volume of air in your lungs after inhaling (Total lung capacity)
  • The volume of air you slowly breathe out after inhaling (Slow vital capacity)
  • The volume of air left in your lungs after a normal exhale ( Functional residual capacity)

Gas diffusion tests

This kind of test can help check how well oxygen and other gases are being absorbed into the bloodstream from the lungs. When this test is performed, we are commonly testing the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood. It can also be used to see how well your lungs transfer carbon monoxide into the bloodstream.

Inhalation Challenges

These tests may be needed to help us determine what is causing asthma. During the challenge test, you will be exposed to specified amounts of the substance through a nebulizer. Spirometry readings are taken before, during, and after, to help identify the substances causing the asthma.

Lung function tests are an excellent way for us to help find the cause of your breathing difficulties and recommend the best treatment methods for you. To learn more about lung function testing for Illinois area residents, call us today.

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Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates

Meredith Cirrincione | Dr. Noga Askenazi

Amy Schack, a distinguished board-certified Physician Associate, brings a wealth of expertise to patient care. Specializing in allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, and rashes, Amy is renowned for her commitment to excellence and compassionate approach. With a background in immediate care and orthopedics, she holds a Master's in Physician Assistant studies from Midwestern University and a Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University. A member of esteemed professional associations, including the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Amy Schack instills confidence, ensuring you can trust her unwavering dedication to your health and well-being.


Meredith Cirrincione is a board certified Physician Assistant and specializes in treating allergies, with a focus on asthma, rashes, environmental allergies, chemical and food allergies. She holds a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from The Chicago Medical School - Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences. She is a Fellow member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. She likes to approach things holistically. She is a strong patient advocate and adored by her patients. She enjoys singing, reading, cooking, and the great outdoors.


Dr. Noga Askenazi is a nationally recognized asthma and allergy specialist who is board certified in pediatric and adult allergy. Her areas of special interest are innovative treatment of rashes, sinusitis, food allergies, asthma and immune disorders. She was past President of the ISAAI (Illinois Society of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology), works on state and national committees for advancement of the allergy field and is a consultant for Advocate, Ascension Health, Northwestern amongst other health care systems. Her joy is helping patients reach their goals after together determining best treatments. Her staff and patients are a chosen family, and she invests in their happiness. She enjoys gardening, biking and cooking to good music.