We have equipment that can be used to diagnose two lung conditions - Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is the name for a group of conditions that can cause breathing difficulties and includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is a common condition that mainly affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke. Many people do not realise they have it.
In order to diagnose COPD we use a device called a spirometer. You blow into a tube and we can assess the force of your breath and the amount of air you can blow out. This test usually takes around 20 minutes to perform and we use it regularly for people with known COPD to check how they are doing. For diagnosis we do the test twice with a short gap between the tests having administered an inhaler. In that case you will have a 20 minute appointment, followed by a wait in the waiting room and then another 20 minute appointment. In total the tests will take about 1 hour.
For asthma diagnosis we follow a clinical guideline that has different steps depending on your age and the results of tests. The tests that we use include blood tests, peak flow diaries, spirometry and FeNO. The FeNO test involves blowing into a tube to measure your exhaled nitric oxide gases. Because we are measuring the content of your exhaled air, rather than just the amount or force of the blow, there are some things you have to be aware of in preparation for the test. In particular as regards exercise, drinking alcohol and certain foods. The attached sheet provides more information and should be read carefully in advance of your test. The test itself involves blowing steadily for around 12 seconds.
