Respiratory Physical Test in Las Vegas

Table of Contents

What is the Respiratory Physical Test?

The Respiratory Physical test is part of a physical examination that diagnoses the patient’s breathing system and lung function. This test is done by physicians to find out if the employee’s lung is performing properly. Once the physician has completed the physical evaluation, then diagnostic tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.

SNOHC can do pulmonary function tests, which determine the patient’s lung capacity. These tests are non-invasive, fast, and less expensive. SNOHC also has an in-house X-ray capability that can perform Chest X-rays to confirm the diagnosis.

Why is the Respiratory Physical test performed?

Diagnosis of lung diseases such as bronchitis and asthma
Checking for shortness of breath
Investigating whether exposure to chemicals in the workplace affects lung function
Assessment of the effect of medicines

Physical Examination for Respiratory System

Spirometry

Spirometry is the most vital function test conducted at SNOHC, that can measure the vital capacity and the volume of the forced expiratory in one second. It allows the examiner to differentiate between obstructive and restrictive respiratory diseases.

Airway Resistance and Lung Capacity

The respiratory physical test also determines the total lung capacity through body plethysmography or by using a diluted gas. Apart from measuring the total lung capacity, the respiratory physical exam can also measure air resistance.

Diffusing Capacity

The transfer factor is used to determine the capacity of the diffusion of carbon monoxide gas in the lungs. It is a one-breath test that is capable to measure the gas-exchange function of the lungs.

Analysis of Blood Gas

This is the most useful test in the respiratory physical exam. The gas in the arterial blood can be used to measure the arterial CO2 tension and arterial O2 tension.

Respiratory Muscle Function Test

At SNOHC, we measure the maximum pressures produced at the mouth during maximum expiratory and respiratory efforts.

Ventilation Control

At SNOHC, mouth occluded pressure is measured by the hypoxia withdrawal and hyper-oxic re-breathing procedure.

Advantages of Respiratory Physical Test

This test gives vast information about the respiratory condition of the patient. It indicates lung volume, flow rates, and gas exchange. You may have an underlying disease that you are not aware of. You may feel tired or breathless after a normal activity and receive it as a natural reaction. However, as time flies you will face the consequences.

By getting informed about your health status, you will perform less damaging activities and as a result, you will take better care of yourself. You may even find a daily activity dangerous for your health and try to get accustomed to an alternative,

Respiratory Physical Test gets done as fast as possible, you will quickly have access to the results and you will help develop a quick treatment plan. This way you will avoid visiting healthcare facilities. It’s useful and quick, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Preparations before the test

Respiratory Physical Test is performed by professional technicians at SNOHC. In most cases, you will be asked to do your best to blow out and breathe in the air. In some cases, the tests may be repeated several times to ensure the accuracy of the results. Before performing the test, note the following:

Take your medication as usual before the test, unless your doctor tells otherwise.
Do not smoke for at least six hours before the test.
If you are using a short-acting inhaler, it is best not to use it as much as possible before the test.
Wear comfortable and loose clothing.

Mouthpieces are changed to prevent the spread of germs between patients using the same lung test equipment.

Risks

There is a small risk of a collapsed lung following a physical lung test in people with certain lung diseases. The test should not be performed if you have experienced a recent heart attack.