Pulmonary function testing (PFT) in children has taken on an increasingly important role in the evaluation of the child with known or suspected respiratory disease. As the incidence of childhood asthma continues to rise, there is a growing need for pulmonary function testing, which is recommended by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) in the assessment and long-term monitoring of patients with asthma. Lung Function Testing is an important part of the evaluation and management of children with respiratory disorders.

The John Flynn Respiratory Centre now has the latest state of the art lung function equipment, complete with graphical incentives for testing children over the age of 6 years old.

Lung Function Tests measure how well your child can move air in and out of their lungs. These tests will help your doctor tell if your child has a lung disease, how severe it is and what medications may help. These ‘breathing tests’ will be performed by specially trained respiratory staff who may present the test as a ‘blowing game’. Sometimes blowing a toy like a party horn can be used to help your child practice what will be done during the breathing tests.

Your child will be asked to wear a nose clip to keep them from breathing through their nose during the test. Your child will then be asked to take in a deep breath and to blow the air out into a sterile mouthpiece that is connected to a computer. The computer measures how much and how fast the air is blown out. 

It is important that each child is accompanied by a parent or appropriate guardian for the duration of the Lung Function Test to provide supervision and support as required.  Prepare your child for what to expect prior to their appointment and reassure them that the test won’t hurt. Schedule the test at a time of day that your child is usually not tired or hungry.

If your child has a cold, sinus infection or other illness, contact the Respiratory Centre as soon as possible so they can decide whether the test should be performed or rescheduled.