What to avoid before your breathing test

• Please do not smoke on the morning of the test. This can make the test results inaccurate. 
• Avoid eating a large meal prior to the test. A small normal sized breakfast is fine. Fasting not required. 
• Don’t wear shoes that are difficult to remove. Your height & weight will be measured with them off. 
• Try not to use inhalers on the morning of the test. However, if discomfort occurs or symptoms get worse, do not hesitate to use your inhalers but please inform the respiratory physiologist of same. 

What to expect for your breathing test

• The whole duration at TPS will be approx 60 mins. 
• On arrival you will be greeted by the medical receptionist who will check you in & ask you to complete a form. 
• Next, the respiratory physiologist will take you to the testing room. Here you will be asked two identifiers (name & birth date). Then, you will complete a breathing test called a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT). This will be done while sitting in a chair & breathing on a mouthpiece with a nose clip on (You won't be on a treadmill). Flow rates, volumes, diffusion, exercise tolerance & respiratory muscle pressures are some of the parameters which will be measured. This non-invasive test requires maximum effort, cooperation and coordination. You will be given detailed instructions and demonstrations all throughout by the respiratory physiologist. 

What happens after the breathing test

Immediately following the completion of the test, the results will be available for Dr Foley, the Pulmonologist.

• These results will help in your diagnosis & treatment plan.
• Dr Foley will report on these shortly after & they will then be sent to the referring physician.

These tests, along with history, physical exam, & laboratory data such as bloods, CT, Chest x-ray, etc, will help Dr Foley diagnose & decide if medications may help improve your breathing. You may then be treated with inhalers or oral medication. 
Dr Foley may decide to do repeat monitoring which is required in many lung conditions. 

How to be referred for a breathing test or consultation 

• If you want your health insurance to pay (at least in part) for it, you must be referred to us by a local Bermuda physician (this can be either a GP or a specialist). 

• If YOU will be paying in full for it, or have overseas insurance like Cigna, then self-referral is permitted. 

Reasons to have a breathing test

You may need a PFT if you have... 

Symptoms: shortness of breath, coughing, excessive sputum production, wheeze, etc.

The following conditions:
History of Covid19, Asthma, COPD, Interstitial Lung Disease, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, Bronchiectasis, Emphysema,  Sarcoidosis, etc. 

The following history: 

exposure to passive smoke or other damaging chemicals such as asbestos, fiberglass, silicon, coal dust or specific chemicals in an occupational setting.

or prior to surgery. 

Consent

PFTs are very safe tests. The mild side effects may include coughing, sniffling, shortness of breath and tiredness. However, we require NO answers to the following questions in order to proceed safely.

Heart attack or stroke within the last 3 months?

Uncontrolled high blood pressure?

Surgery of the stomach, chest or eye in the last 6 weeks?

Collapsed lung or lung clot in the last 6 weeks?

Aneurysm of the chest, brain or stomach?

Chest or stomach pain with GTN spray usage?

Coughing up blood?

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or incontinence today?

Active TB?

I have read this information and have had the opportunity to ask questions. I understand the test that will be performed and the risks involved. I understand that TPS is a private practice and that I will incur a fee for this test which I will accept liability for and will pay in accordance with the policy set by TPS. I consent to participate in this procedure voluntarily.