Is It Good To Exercise Before A Lung Test?

For the most accurate lung test results – which will lead to the correct diagnosis and most appropriate treatment – it is important that patients understand how to best prepare for their evaluation. At Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers, board-certified physician and pulmonary expert Dr. Avi Ishaaya helps patients to better understand their lung function and achieve the relief they deserve from a variety of breathing problems with comprehensive lung testing and treatment in Los Angeles, CA. Before your lung evaluation, review the information below on how to best prepare for pulmonary testing and what activities you should avoid prior to your appointment.

Do I need a lung test?

Virtually anyone can benefit from a lung test to gain more knowledge about their lung function, their potential for lung problems, and more. However, lung testing may be even more useful for patients with particular risk factors, symptoms, and/or a notable health or family history of pulmonary conditions. If any of the following apply to you, it may be appropriate to schedule a consultation for lung testing in Los Angeles, CA:

• Difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Painful breathing/chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Loud breathing
• History of lung problems
• Family history of lung condition
• Lung trauma

How does a lung test work?

During your initial consultation for a breathing evaluation in Los Angeles, Dr. Ishaaya will discuss your concerns, evaluate your symptoms, and review your medical and family history to determine the most appropriate type of lung test for you. In many cases, a baseline pulmonary function test (PFT) is the best starting point for evaluating a patient’s lung function. A PFT can serve a number of purposes, including measuring lung volume, evaluating lung strength, assessing the efficacy of a previous or current lung treatment, diagnosing a lung problem, and more. Based on these findings, Dr. Ishaaya may recommend further and/or more in-depth lung testing and imaging studies, such as CT scan, MRI, and ultrasound.

Do I need to do anything specific before a lung test?

To ensure the most precise evaluation and accurate lung test results, be sure to follow these dos and don’ts of preparing for a lung test:

• Do eat a healthy, light meal about two hours before your test
• Do wear loose clothing that you can breathe comfortably in
• Do not smoke for a minimum of one hour before your test
• Do not drink alcohol for a minimum of four hours before your test
• Do not engage in strenuous physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes before your test

Why can’t I work out before a lung test?

Working out or participating in strenuous activities too close to your lung test can impact your results, in part due to the changes in your pulmonary function associated with exercise. In addition, patients who have exercise-induced asthma and other lung conditions triggered by physical exertion may skew their baseline lung testing results by exercising right before a lung test.

Breathe easier and get the peace of mind you deserve with advanced lung testing in Los Angeles, CA

With appropriate preparation and an experienced physician, your lung test can provide a wealth of valuable information that can help to preserve your lung health and prevent the development or worsening of breathing problems. To take the first step toward understanding and improving your lung function, call Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Los Angeles, CA to schedule your private consultation with board-certified physician in pulmonary medicine Dr. Avi Ishaaya today!