Understanding Lung Function and Respiratory Problems for Long Grove, IL

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Understanding Lung Function and Respiratory Problems for Long Grove, IL

Respiratory problems can be very bothersome for individuals. Symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulty can significantly affect quality of life and the ability to participate in certain leisure activities and hobbies. Lung function testing is a great way for us to diagnose a variety of respiratory problems. By identifying the cause and severity of your issue, we are able to come up with a treatment plan that can relieve your symptoms.

Understanding Lung Function

Before diagnosing respiratory problems, it is important to understand how the lungs and the rest of the respiratory system work together.

The respiratory system is made up of the following organs: nose, larynx, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. The lungs work by receiving oxygen, which is essential for cells to live and perform their normal functions. The lungs also help remove carbon dioxide (a result of body cell waste) from the body.

The lungs consist of a spongy tissue in the chest. They are encased by a membrane known as the pleura and are separated by the mediastinum. Each lunch consists of sections, known as lobes. The left lung has two lobes and the right lung has three lobes. As you breathe, air enters the body through the nose or mouth and moves through the throat, the larynx, and trachea, and into the lungs via bronchi tubes. Once inside the lungs, the bronchi branch out into smaller tubes known as bronchioles, and further into microscopic air sacs known as alveoli.

Pulmonary function tests, or lung function tests, help assess the function of the lungs, including information about volume, capacity, airflow, and gas exchange. They are able to determine what is interfering with proper ventilation and whether or not the condition is restrictive (a disruption in the airflow) or if it’s obstructive (a decreased flow of air).

Once the location, cause, and specifics of the problem are determined, we are able to develop a treatment plan that can help restore proper function.

If you are having difficulty breathing or symptoms of respiratory problems, we can help. Call us today to learn more about lung function testing.

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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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