The Pulmonary Function Lab provides pulmonary function testing and diagnostics along with arterial blood gas analysis. Pulmonary function tests are specialized breathing tests performed to "fingerprint" the breathing cycle. These tests help to measure how well the lungs function in different respects. The tests performed include:
Blood gas analysis
Bronchial provocation
Bronchodilator responsiveness
CPAP titration
Diffusing capacity
Exercise testing
Lung volumes
MSLT (mean sleep latency test)
MWT (maintenance of wakefulness test)
Polysomnography or sleep study
Spirometry
Testing
Diagnosis of some pulmonary diseases requires certain types of testing. Akron General offers a wide range of tests, including:
In addition to certain types of tests, sometimes pulmonary diseases can be diagnosed using non-invasive imaging, including:
Chest x-rays
CT scan of the chest
MRI of the chest
PET scanning of the chest
Ventilation-perfusion scanning
Treatment Options
Treatment options for patients with an established pulmonary disease could include:
Aerosolized medications
Airway care and suctioning
Antibiotics
Bronchial Thermoplasty
Chest physiotherapy
Cryotherapy
Endobronchial balloon dilatation
Incentive spirometry
Intubation
Laser bronchoscopy
Mechanical ventilation
Non-invasive ventilation
Oxygen therapy
Steroids
Tracheostomy
Trancheobronchial stenting
Transtracheal oxygen
Vibratory therapy
Educating Patients, Their Families and Healthcare Professionals
Akron General's Pulmonary Medicine Department offers education for patients, their families, the community and other healthcare professionals on the aforementioned topics. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a multi-disciplinary program for patients with pulmonary diseases during which patients recieve intensive education and a personalized exercise program aimed at improving function and overall health.
