Pulmonary function diagnostics
The lungs can be affected by a whole range of diseases. These include obstructive diseases (e.g. asthma and COPD), infectious and non-infectious inflammations (e.g. pneumonia or sarcoidosis) or diseases that change the structure of the lungs (e.g. emphysema or pulmonary fibrosis). All these diseases show characteristic findings in lung function diagnostics. At the practice on Hohenzollerndamm, we use modern procedures and measurement methods to make a thorough diagnosis.
Spirometry: Inhalation and exhalation
During this examination, you blow as forcefully as possible into a so-called spirometer (Latin spiro = to breathe) several times in succession. We first measure how much air you can expel in one second and then how much air you exhale in total after a deep inhalation. These and other values help us to detect and monitor chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as asthma or COPD.
Bodyplethysmography: lung volume and airway resistance
You sit in a cabin, the bodyplethysmograph, and breathe through a mouthpiece. A connected device records how the air volume and pressure change while you follow certain breathing commands. Total lung capacity (TLC) and airway resistance are important parameters for diagnosing and monitoring obstructive lung diseases such as asthma and COPD, emphysema or restrictive lung disorders such as pulmonary fibrosis.
Carbon monoxide diffusion test: Gas exchange in the lungs
With this test, we find out how efficiently certain gases can move back and forth (diffuse) between your alveoli and the blood vessels. In the test, we use a tiny amount of carbon monoxide (CO) because this gas binds particularly easily to the hemoglobin in the blood. If the diffusion capacity of the lungs (DLCO) is low, this indicates impaired lung function. We often prescribe a diffusion measurement in addition to spirometry and bodyplethysmography. This helps us to assess the severity of the restriction in cases of pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema or heart disease, for example.
Broncholysis test: medication against airway constriction
If the airways are narrowed (obstruction), there are two main diseases that come into question: asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To differentiate between the two, we make your airways react to bronchodilator medication. To do this, we first carry out spirometry. We will then administer a medication. We repeat the spirometry 15 minutes later. The response to the medication makes it easier to differentiate between the diseases.
Bronchial provocation: targeted irritation of the airways
In asthma and other lung complaints, the airways are susceptible and hypersensitive. Sometimes, however, the symptoms are unclear. That’s why we deliberately provoke your lungs in a test: you inhale a substance called methacholine, which causes a reaction in the bronchial tubes. After inhalation, we measure the lung function several times in succession. Lung provocation may only be carried out in specialized practices such as the one on Hohenzollerndamm.
Strength measurement: check respiratory muscles
Neuromuscular diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or multiple sclerosis (MS) can lead to breathing difficulties. We get to the bottom of this by measuring the strength of your respiratory muscles when you breathe in and out. To do this, you breathe against a machine-generated pressure. The results of the force measurement can give rise to mechanical support for breathing.
Blood gas analysis: oxygen, carbon dioxide, pH value
Examining the gases in your blood provides us with valuable information about how well your lungs are functioning. It also provides information about your body’s acid-base balance. We take the blood from your earlobe, i.e. not from a vein as is usual at the GP. This arterialized blood reflects the gas exchange more accurately. Among other things, we determine the acid, oxygen and carbon dioxide content. If there is a lack of oxygen, it may be necessary to administer oxygen. If there is an increase in CO2 or even hyperacidity of the blood (acidosis), mechanical respiratory support may be necessary.