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

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

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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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.


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