Lung Function Testing

Alongside a thorough history and examination, tests of pulmonary physiology are fundamental to establishing (or challenging!) an asthma or other respiratory diagnosis and to monitor treatment response. We can usually perform these in clinic, enabling us to diagnose and manage your child's condition.

Bronchodilator Reversibility Testing (BDR)

This tests whether your child's airways are narrowed, by seeing if they open with bronchodilator (the blue puffer). Always bring your inhalers and spacer with you to clinic.

Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)

We measure FeNO using the Vivatmo device. Nitric oxide is produced in airways with allergic inflammation - usually seen in asthma, a raised FeNO can also be seen in hayfever and certain gut conditions.

Spirometry

The Vitalograph USB Micro combines portability and accuracy so we can test spirometry wherever and whenever we see you. Children aged 5 and above can usually complete this test, which indicates airway calibre and lung volume.

Other Tests on the Day

We can usually also perform allergy skin prick tests, x-rays, blood tests, ECG, and simple microbiological tests in clinic. More complex tests such as cardiopulmonary exercise testing can be organised at a later date.