Testing lung function

Pulmonary function testing at JUVENIS in Vienna

Lung function testing (spirometry) is the most common method for testing lung function. The term derives from the Latin verb 'spirare', which means 'to breathe'.

The aim of this examination is to determine the functional status of the lungs and airways as precisely as possible. It is the basic examination for lung diseases or suspected lung disease and helps to detect them at an early stage. The JUVENIS Medical Center offers this test in Vienna.

Treatment room at the JUVENIS Medical Center

Treatments & Therapies

Reasons for lung function testing

Lung function testing at JUVENIS is performed for various reasons:

  • Shortness of breath

  • chronic cough

  • frequent sputum production

  • existing lung disease

  • long-term cigarette smoking

  • medical recommendation due to abnormal findings (chest X-ray, blood values, etc.)

  • risk assessment prior to surgery

  • as part of a Health check-up, sports medicine, occupational medicine

  • before various surgeries

  • in case of suspected or already existing diagnosed allergy concerning the airways (pollen, grasses, animal hair, hay fever, mold, asthma etc.)

Please contact JUVENIS by phone at +43 1 236 3020, by e-mail at empfang@juvenismed.at or via the contact form, to arrange a consultation or treatment appointment.

What is tested by lung function testing?

  • static lung volume (inhaled and exhaled air volume)

  • dynamic lung volume (time required to move the air volume)

Treatment regions

  • Lungs

Treatment procedure

At JUVENIS the test is performed using a spirometer (device with a mouthpiece). The examination itself takes only a few minutes and is painless and risk-free for the patient.

First, the patient's data are discussed in detail (height, weight, etc.). During the test, the patient has a clip placed on the nose so that they can breathe only through the mouth. Then they place the mouthpiece between their teeth and, on instruction, perform a breathing maneuver. The patient first exhales as deeply and for as long (approx. 6 seconds) as possible, followed by a maximal and rapid inhalation. Only then may the mouthpiece be removed. The obtained values are then compared with reference values.

Spirometry can detect the functional status of the airways and lung diseases such as asthma and COPD (colloquially 'smoker's cough'). In existing lung disease, the airways are narrowed. Those affected therefore have to exhale against greater resistance, which makes it more difficult.

Please contact JUVENIS by phone at +43 1 236 3020, by e-mail at empfang@juvenismed.at or via the contact form, to arrange a consultation or treatment appointment.

What ventilation disorders can occur?

The lung has several individual functions; ventilation (lung ventilation) is one of them. Disturbances of this function can be detected by lung function testing.

The following types are distinguished:

  • Obstructive ventilation disorders: impaired airflow in the airways, e.g. in asthma, bronchitis, COPD, lung tumor

  • Restrictive ventilation disorders: reduced expandability of the lung and/or chest wall, e.g. after lung surgery, accumulation of fluid around the lung (pleural effusion), collapse of the lung when air enters the chest (pneumothorax).

  • Neuromuscular ventilation disorders: e.g. in spinal cord injury.

Based on the values obtained, the physician can determine whether and, above all, which ventilation disorder is present. The examination also serves to monitor the course of an already diagnosed disease. Thus, the physician can determine from the measurements whether the treatment is effective or whether other or additional measures are necessary.

Lung function test result sheet

Costs

Treatment Price
Lung function test € 150

FAQs

The pulmonary function test is an examination to measurement of respiratory performance and lung capacity. It helps to detect respiratory diseases early and to monitor the course of existing lung diseases.

An examination is recommended for:

  • breathing difficulties or shortness of breath

  • chronic cough

  • suspected asthma or COPD

  • allergies involving the airways

  • monitoring known lung diseases

Among other things, the lung function test can detect:

  • bronchial asthma

  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • limitations of lung capacity

  • airway narrowing

During the examination you breathe through a mouthpiece into a special measuring device. Various respiratory parameters are recorded. The examination usually lasts 10 to 20 minutes.

No, the lung function test is completely painless and non-invasive.

In some cases you should, before the examination:

  • refrain from certain medications (after medical consultation)

  • avoid physical exertion shortly beforehand

  • not smoke immediately beforehand

Your physician will inform you in advance.

The results are usually immediately after the examination available and will be discussed with you directly.

That depends on the individual's health condition. In cases of existing illnesses, a regular monitoring be advisable.

The examination is very safe. In rare cases, it may lead to a brief dizziness due to deep inhalation and exhalation.

Costs depend on the scope of the examination. A lung function test costs from € 150.

The Exact prices will be provided in a personal consultation..

Because this is a medical examination, a (partial) coverage of costs by the health insurance is often possible.

At JUVENIS you will be cared for by experienced specialist physicians and specialists look after you. Through modern diagnostics and an individual evaluation of the results you will receive a precise assessment of your respiratory function and a targeted therapy recommendation.

We have answered the most frequently asked questions on the topic of Lung function test answered. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us via empfang@juvenismed.at or at +43 1 236 3020.

Team

Dermatologist Dr. Tamara Kopp from Juvenis in Vienna

a.o. Univ. Prof. Dr. med.Tamara Kopp

Specialist in Dermatology and Venereology
OÄ Dr. med. Christine Bangert, Specialist in Dermatology and Venereology

Senior Physician Dr. med.Christine Bangert

Specialist in Dermatology and Venereology
Dermatologist Dr. Elli Katherina Greisenegger at JUVENIS in Vienna

Senior Physician Dr. med.Elli Katherina Greisenegger

Specialist in Dermatology and Venereology

Senior Physician Dr. med.Tamara Arnoldner

Specialist in Dermatology and Venereology
Dr. med. Daniela Themmer

Dr. med.Daniela Themmer

Physician for General Medicine and Nutritional Medicine

Contact

Responsible for the content of this page: a.o. Univ. Prof. Dr. med. Tamara Kopp, OÄ Dr. med. Christine Bangert, OÄ. Dr. med. Elli Katherina Greisenegger, OÄ Dr. med. Tamara Arnoldner, Dr. med. Daniela Themmer