A lung function test can check how well your lungs work. They can help to identify whether exposure to chemicals/substances in the workplace have caused any lung damage.
The lung function can identify:
- How much air your lungs hold
- How well you move air in/out of your lungs
At the appointment you will be asked to:
- Complete a questionnaire
- Sit in a chair
- You’ll be given a mouthpiece that is attached to a machine called a spirometer.
- Place your lips tightly around the mouthpiece and breathe in and out as instructed.
- The spirometer will measure the amount and rate of airflow over a period of time.
Avoid smoking/avoid strenuous exercising prior to testing.
If any of your lung function test results are not normal, it may mean you have a lung disease.
There are two main types of lung diseases that can be diagnosed with a lung function test:
- Obstructive diseases: cause airways to become narrow, making it hard for air to flow out of the lungs. Obstructive lung diseases include asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.
- Restrictive diseases: the lungs or chest muscles aren’t able to expand enough. This reduces air flow and the ability to send oxygen into the bloodstream
As occupational health providers, we help ensure that you and your employees are compliant with our health surveillance and safety-critical medicals.
Call us today and take the first step to a safer work environment.
