How does a lung function test in Crystal Lake work?

Posted By: Noga Askenazi M.D. | Published On: Mar 2, 2018 | Lung Function Testing

A computerized pulmonary function test, clinically called spirometry, helps to determine the nature and complexity of various respiratory problems.

Spirometry is used for regular checkups for patients diagnosed with a chronic lung disorder. For such people, spirometry lung function tests in Crystal Lake help in examining the effectiveness of the prescribed medications and the current status of the breathing problems.

Safe and Convenient

Spirometry involves a simple and comfortable procedure. All the patient needs to do is to breathe into a sterile mouthpiece connected to a spirometer, an analytical machine that collects and processes pulmonary data.

Measurement of functionality indicators

Spirometry helps in accurately measuring various functionality indicators including:

Forced expiratory volume (FEV) that measures the amount of air which a patient can forcefully expire from the lungs in one second. An FEV reading helps the doctor in assessing the severity of patient’s breathing problems. A lower FEV reading indicates a significant obstruction.
Forced vital capacity (FVC) that measures the maximum amount of air which a patient can exhale forcefully after a deep breath. A value below normal FVC reading shows restricted breathing.
Peak expiratory flow (PEF) that indicates the speed with which a patient exhales a deep breath.
The forced expiratory flow measures airflow during exhalation.
MVV (maximum voluntary ventilation) that measures the maximum volume of air a patient can possibly inhale and exhale within 60-seconds.
SVC (slow vital capacity) measures the volume of air a patient can slowly exhale after a deep inhalation.
TLC (total lung capacity) determines the maximum amount of air a patient can inhale.
FRC (functional residual capacity) measures the volume of air present in the lungs of a patient after normal exhalation.
RV (residual volume) measures the volume of air present in the lungs of a patient after extreme exhalation.
ERV (expiratory reserve volume) determines the difference between the amount of air present in the lungs after forceful exhalation, and after normal exhalation.

The data obtained from a spirometry test helps healthcare professionals in meticulously evaluating the functioning as well as breathing abilities of the lungs of a patient. Spirometry tests help in detecting the following respiratory disorders:

Emphysema
Bronchitis
Asthma
A chronic cough
Other lung condition

Choose the right treatment provider for a safe and accurate lung function test in Crystal Lake.

Share this Article

Back to Page

Meredith Cirrincione, MS, PA-C

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.

Noga Askenazi M.D.

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.

Susan Bockman, FNP

Susan Bockman is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner who specializes in treating asthma, allergies, and related skin conditions. With both personal and professional experience in managing allergies, she brings a compassionate and holistic approach to patient care. Susan earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Northern Illinois University and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society in Nursing. She is deeply committed to supporting families and individuals through comprehensive, empathetic care. Outside the clinic, she enjoys genealogy, long walks with audiobooks, antiquing, and watching football with her family.