Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) in Hinsdale, IL

Praana Center for Asthma and Allergy
Dr. Samyukta Koppula, MD – Board-Certified Allergist & Immunologist

Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is a group of breathing tests that measure how well your lungs are working. These tests help evaluate conditions such as asthma, chronic cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and other respiratory symptoms.

At Praana Center for Asthma and Allergy, we provide comprehensive pulmonary function testing for children and adults in Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Downers Grove, Clarendon Hills, Willowbrook, and surrounding western suburbs of Chicago. Test results help guide accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment planning.

What does pulmonary function testing measure?

Pulmonary function testing may include several types of breathing tests, depending on your symptoms:

  • Spirometry measures how much air you can breathe in and out, and how quickly you can exhale

  • Lung volume testing provides additional information about how fully your lungs expand and empty

Together, these results help determine the severity and pattern of lung disease and allow me to tailor your treatment plan appropriately.

How do you prepare for pulmonary function testing?

Some pulmonary function tests do not require medication holds, including:

  • Baseline spirometry only

  • Spirometry with DLCO

  • Post-medication testing only

For pre- and post-bronchodilator testing, certain inhaled medications must be held before your appointment to ensure accurate results. If these medications are not stopped as directed, we may not be able to complete your test.

Please continue all other medications unless instructed otherwise.

Medications to stop before pulmonary function testing

Stop these inhaled medications 48 hours before your appointment:

  • Anoro® (umeclidinium/vilanterol)

  • Bevespi® (glycopyrrolate/formoterol)

  • Duaklir® (aclidinium/formoterol)

  • Stiolto® (olodaterol/tiotropium)

  • Breztri® (budesonide/umeclidinium/vilanterol)

  • Trelegy® (fluticasone/umeclidinium/vilanterol)

Stop these inhaled medications 24 hours before your appointment:

  • Incruse® (umeclidinium)

  • Spiriva® (tiotropium)

  • Tudorza® (aclidinium)

  • Yupelri® (revefenacin)

Stop these inhaled medications 12 hours before your appointment:

  • Brovana® (arformoterol)

  • Foradil®, Perforomist®

  • Serevent® (salmeterol)

  • Striverdi® (olodaterol)

  • Advair®, AirDuo®, Breo®, Dulera®, Symbicort®, Wixela®

Stop these inhaled medications 6 hours before your appointment:

  • Atrovent® (ipratropium)

  • Combivent® (albuterol/ipratropium)

  • DuoNeb® (albuterol/ipratropium)

Stop these inhaled medications 4–6 hours before your appointment:

  • AirSupra® (albuterol/budesonide)

  • ProAir®, Proventil®, Ventolin® (albuterol)

  • Xopenex® (levalbuterol)

If you are unsure whether a medication should be stopped, please contact our office before your appointment.

What happens during pulmonary function testing?

During your visit, you will perform a series of breathing tests guided by a trained technician. You will be coached carefully throughout each step, as good effort is important for accurate results.

In some cases, you may inhale a quick-relief medication via inhaler or nebulizer during the test. The breathing tests are then repeated to see how your lungs respond to the medication. This helps determine whether airway obstruction is reversible, which is important in diagnosing and managing asthma.

If you have questions at any point during the test, please ask—our team is there to help.

How long does pulmonary function testing take?

Most pulmonary function testing appointments take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Pulmonary testing close to home in Hinsdale, Willowbrook, Oakbrook, Westmont and neighboring suburbs.

Pulmonary function testing at Praana Center for Asthma and Allergy is performed in a comfortable outpatient setting with attention to accuracy, safety, and patient understanding.

If you are experiencing breathing symptoms or need ongoing asthma monitoring, pulmonary function testing can provide valuable insight into your lung health.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Samyukta Koppula to learn more about pulmonary function testing and personalized respiratory care.

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