Testing the lung function

Pulmonary function test at JUVENIS in Vienna

Pulmonary function testing (spirometry) is the most common procedure for testing lung function. The term is derived from the Latin verb "spirare", which means "to breathe".

The aim of this examination is to assess the functional state of the lungs and airways as accurately as possible. It is the basic examination for lung diseases or suspected lung diseases and helps to detect them at an early stage. The JUVENIS medical center offers this test in Vienna.

Treatment room in the JUVENIS medical center

Treatments & therapies

Reasons for the lung function test

The pulmonary function test at JUVENIS is carried out for various reasons:

  • Shortness of breath

  • Chronic cough

  • Frequent sputum

  • existing lung disease

  • Long-term cigarette consumption

  • Medical recommendation based on abnormal findings (lung X-ray, blood values, etc.)

  • Risk assessment before operations

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

  • before various operations

  • in case of suspected or already diagnosed allergies concerning the respiratory tract (pollen, grasses, animal hair, hay fever, mold, asthma, etc.)

Please contact JUVENIS by phone at +43 1 236 3020by e-mail to empfang@juvenismed.at or via the contact formto make an appointment for a consultation or treatment.

What is tested using pulmonary function testing?

  • Static respiratory volume (inhaled and exhaled air volume)

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

Treatment regions

  • Lung

Treatment procedure

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

First, the patient's details are discussed in detail (height, weight, etc.). During the test, the patient is given a clip to put on their nose so that they can only breathe through their mouth. He then takes the mouthpiece between his teeth and performs a breathing maneuver as instructed. The patient first exhales as deeply and for as long as possible (approx. 6 seconds), followed by a maximum possible and rapid inhalation. Only then may the mouthpiece be removed. The values obtained are then compared with the target values.

Spirometry can be used to determine the functional condition of the airways and lung diseases such as asthma and COPD (colloquially known as "smoker's cough"). If lung disease is present, the airways are constricted. Those affected must therefore exhale against greater resistance, which makes this more difficult.

Please contact JUVENIS by phone at +43 1 236 3020by e-mail to empfang@juvenismed.at or via the contact formto make an appointment for a consultation or treatment.

Which ventilation disorders can occur?

The lungs have several individual functions, ventilation (lung aeration) is one of them. Its disorders can be detected by means of pulmonary function testing.

A distinction is made:

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

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

  • Neuromuscular ventilation disorders: e.g. paraplegia.

Based on the values determined, the doctor can determine whether and, above all, which ventilation disorder is present. However, the examination is also used to monitor the progress of a disease that has already been diagnosed. The doctor can use the measurement results to determine whether the treatment is having an effect or whether other or further measures are necessary.

Pulmonary function test result sheet

Costs

Treatment Price
Pulmonary function test € 150

FAQs

A pulmonary function test is an examination used to measure respiratory function and lung capacity. It helps detect respiratory diseases at an early stage and monitor the progression of existing lung conditions.

An examination is recommended in the following cases:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

  • chronic cough

  • Suspected asthma or COPD

  • Allergies affecting the respiratory tract

  • Management of known lung diseases

A lung function test can be used to detect, among other things:

  • Bronchial asthma

  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Reduced lung capacity

  • Airway narrowing

During the test, you will breathe into a special measuring device through a mouthpiece. Various breathing parameters will be recorded. The test usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.

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

In some cases, you should:

  • avoid taking certain medications (after consulting a doctor)

  • Avoid strenuous physical activity shortly before

  • Don't smoke right before

Your doctor will let you know in advance.

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

That depends on your individual health condition. If you have existing medical conditions, regular checkups may be advisable.

The examination is very safe. In rare cases, deep inhalation and exhalation may cause a brief sensation of dizziness.

The cost depends on the scope of the examination. A lung function test costs €150.

You can get the exact prices during a personal consultation.

Since this is a medical examination, health insurance may cover some or all of the costs.

At JUVENIS, you will be cared for by experienced specialists. Using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and a personalized evaluation of the results, you will receive an accurate assessment of your lung function and a tailored treatment recommendation.

We have answered the most frequently asked questions about lung function testing here. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us atempfang@juvenismed.at or by phone at +43 1 236 3020.

Team

Dermatologist Dr. Tamara Kopp from Juvenis in Vienna

Associate Prof. Dr. med. Tamara Kopp

Specialist in dermatology and venereology
Dr. Christine Bangert, specialist in dermatology and venereology

Surgeon Dr. med. Christine Bangert

Specialist in dermatology and venereology
Dermatologist Dr. Elli Katherina Greisenegger at JUVENIS in Vienna

OÄ. Dr. med. Elli Katherina Greisenegger

Specialist in dermatology and venereology

Dr. med. Tamara Arnoldner

Specialist in dermatology and venereology
Dr. med. Daniela Themmer

Dr. med. Daniela Themmer

Doctor of general medicine and nutritional medicine

Contact us

Responsible for the content of this page: Associate Professor Tamara Kopp, MD, Senior Physician Christine Bangert, MD, Senior Physician Elli Katherina Greisenegger, MD, Senior Physician Tamara Arnoldner, MD, Daniela Themmer, MD