Doctor near Northbrook discusses the common cold, lung function tests to detect a range of respiratory conditions

Posted By: | Published On: | Lung Function Testing

Your pulmonary system is well orchestrated. The organs and tissues responsible for moving oxygen in and carbon dioxide out operate in harmony. A measure of how well this system works is lung function. Some medical conditions interfere with the way the air moves in and out of the lungs.

Some of the conditions that can affect the proper balance necessary for good pulmonary function include:

  • Asthma
  • Emphysema
  • Scleroderma
  • Sarcoidosis

Performing lung function tests helps to give Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates and Food Allergy Center of Illinois clues as to what is affecting your lung functioning and breathing. Dr. Askenazi and the staff use spirometry, a device popular in lung testing. A spirometer is a machine that measures how much air enters the lungs, as well as how much air is quickly forced out of the lungs.

To perform the test, you will breathe into a tube connected to the spirometer. The doctors will give you instructions as to how to breathe and how fast to inhale and exhale. Each of these instructions corresponds to a different measurement, such as forced vital capacity (the volume of air that is exhaled after deeply breathing in). All of these measurements help Dr. Askenazi and the staff test for a range of respiratory disorders of varying severity.

For instance, many respiratory infections may be detected with lung function tests. The common cold is one of many acute upper respiratory infections. While the common cold can make you feel poorly for a few days, it is not without potentially more severe complications such as sinusitis. Secondary infections such as strep throat and pneumonia can develop.

On another note, lung function tests are generally more helpful to our specialists if they are performed when you do not have a cold. In fact, an acute respiratory infection such as a cold is considered a contraindication. It is important to discuss all medications you may be taking, as some can interfere with the accuracy of the results.

To find out more about lung function tests and if your symptoms may be more than the common cold, call your allergy and asthma specialists near Northbrook at (847) 888-8802.

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Meredith Cirrincione, MS, PA-C at Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates S.C

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.

Dr. Noga Askenazi, M.D at Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates S.C

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 at Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates S.C

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.

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