What is the Pulmonary Lung Function Test, and What Does it Diagnose?

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What is the Pulmonary Lung Function Test, and What Does it Diagnose?

A pulmonary lung function test is a diagnostic test that measures how well your lungs are functioning. The results of this diagnostic test can help your doctor determine if you have a lung disorder or if your lungs are healthy. It can also assist an allergist in helping a patient with a respiratory reaction to certain allergens. Dr. Noga Askenazi and her associates at Advanced Allergy and Asthma Associates, Inc. encourage patients to ask about ways to check lung capacity using the pulmonary lung function test.

What Type of Testing Can Be Performed, and What Can I Expect?

There are two types of pulmonary lung function tests: spirometry and diffusion capacity. 

  • Spirometry is the most common type of test and measures how much air you can inhale and exhale in one breath. 
  • Diffusion capacity measures how well oxygen passes from your lungs into your blood.

Both tests are painless and only take a few minutes to complete. During this test, you will be asked to breathe into a mouthpiece connected to a machine called a spirometer or diffusing capacity machine.

What Happens After I Receive the Results of My Pulmonary Lung Function Test?

The test results will be compared to a reference value that considers your age, gender, height, and weight. A lung function test is considered abnormal if your results are below the reference value. It does not necessarily mean you have a lung disorder if you have abnormal results. Many factors, such as smoking, can affect your lung function. Dr. Noga Askenazi will interpret your results and order additional testing if needed.

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What is the Purpose of a Pulmonary Lung Function Test?

A pulmonary lung function test is used to diagnose and monitor a variety of lung disorders, such as asthma, COPD, and interstitial lung disease. The test can also be used to evaluate the severity of a lung disorder and to see how well the treatment works. Our team may also encourage you to consider this test to determine allergic reactions that impact the respiratory system.

Contact Dr. Noga Askenazi and Her Associates Today!

If you are dealing with conditions that impact your lungs and need to check lung capacity, it may be time to schedule an appointment with the team at Advanced Allergy and Asthma Associates, Inc. Call (847) 888-8802 to schedule an appointment at either office in Crystal Lake or Elgin, Illinois.

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Meredith Cirrincione | Dr. Noga Askenazi

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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