Your allergist in Crystal Lake, IL can help with breathing difficulty through lung function testing

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Your allergist in Crystal Lake, IL can help with breathing difficulty through lung function testing

If you are having difficulty breathing, there is a common test performed in office that can help diagnose your condition. Lung function testing, called Spirometry, evaluates how your lungs are working and can help check for chronic diseases such as asthma, COPD, and Emphysema.

How lung function testing works:

Lung function testing focuses on testing the amount and speed of air that you can inhale and exhale. The results, when compared with other people in your age and gender group can help determine whether you are in a normal range.

The test is done with a spirometer. Prior to taking the test, nose clips will be placed to prevent air from escaping through the nostrils. You will be instructed to take a deep breath and then exhale as hard and as long as you can. Some patients may be asked to perform periods of rapid inhalation or quiet breathing. You will be asked to repeat the tests to ensure accurate results.

In some instances, we may ask you to inhale a medication to open the airways and will perform the test again to compare the results.

If there is a breathing problem, lung function tests do not always indicate the cause. Further tests such as a stress test or blood oxygen level tests may be necessary to determine the reason for your condition.

Diagnosing Lung Conditions:

In addition to the lung function testing, we will conduct a complete medical history and physical examination to help diagnose any potential lung conditions.

During the medical history, we’ll want to know the following:

  • Have you experienced any tightening of the chest?
  • Do you have prolonged periods of coughing or wheezing?
  • Have you had any chest pain?
  • Are you able to walk or run similarly to other people in your age group?
  • Do you ever feel like you are gasping for air?

In addition, we’ll want to know if you or anyone in your family has had asthma, allergies, heart disease, smoked, or had exposure to toxic particles like asbestos.

Based on your answers, the physical examination, and the results of your lung function testing, we can diagnose your issue and recommend a treatment plan that can improve your breathing and quality of life.

To learn more about lung function testing, schedule a consultation today with Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates.

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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.


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