Lung Testing

Breathe Easier With Fast, Accurate Lung Function Testing

If you or a family member is dealing with a chronic cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness, lung testing can help identify the cause and guide us toward the right treatment. At Langford Allergy, our board-certified allergists use spirometry, a quick and painless breathing test, to measure how well your lungs are working and to diagnose or rule out conditions like asthma.

Spirometry is one of the most reliable tools available for evaluating lung function and is more than 90% accurate in detecting asthma and other chronic conditions affecting the respiratory system. Our lung testing is safe and easy enough for patients of nearly any age, including young children, and results are typically available the same day.

Ready to find out how your lungs are performing? Call 478-216-1290 to Schedule Your Lung Test.

What Is a Spirometry Test?

Spirometry, also called a lung function test or pulmonary function test, measures how much air you can breathe in and out and how quickly you can exhale it. During the test, you’ll breathe into a tube connected to a spirometer, a device that records your breathing patterns and calculates your lung capacity.

The spirometer measures two key values:

Forced vital capacity (FVC)—the total amount of air you can exhale after taking a deep breath.

Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV-1)—the amount of air you can forcefully exhale in the first second of that breath.

Comparing these two measurements helps our allergists determine whether your airways are obstructed, restricted, or functioning normally, and to what degree.

What Can a Lung Test Diagnose?

Spirometry helps our team diagnose, monitor, or rule out a range of respiratory conditions, including:

Asthma
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Chronic bronchitis
Emphysema
Pulmonary fibrosis
Restrictive lung disease

Beyond diagnosis, spirometry is also used to track how well current medications are working and to monitor lung function over time in patients with an existing chronic condition.

Who Should Get a Lung Test?

A lung test may be a good idea if you or your child regularly experience:

Coughing that won’t go away
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Difficulty taking a full, deep breath

Lung testing isn’t just for adults. Asthma affects patients of all ages, and spirometry can typically be performed by anyone old enough to follow simple breathing instructions. At Langford Allergy, we routinely test children as young as three or four years old using a computer-screen format that turns the breathing exercise into an interactive game, making the process easy and even fun for our youngest patients.

What to Expect During Your Lung Test

Step 1: Equipment Set Up

You’ll be seated comfortably, and a nose clip will be placed so that all of your breathing happens through your mouth. You’ll form a tight seal with your lips around the spirometer’s mouthpiece.

Step 2: The Breathing Exercise

Following our team’s instructions, you’ll take a deep breath, hold it briefly, and then exhale as forcefully and completely as you can into the device. This may be repeated with normal breathing patterns as well, depending on the specific measurements needed.

Step 3: Repeating for Accuracy

The breathing exercise is performed multiple times to ensure consistent, reliable results. Our team will guide you through each attempt.

Step 4: Reviewing Your Results

Once lung testing is complete, our allergists review your results, often the same day, and discuss what they mean for your diagnosis or treatment plan.

The entire visit typically takes around 30 minutes, and we’re often able to combine spirometry with other testing to make the most of your appointment.

How to Prepare for Your Lung Test

To help ensure accurate results, we recommend the following before your appointment:

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that won’t restrict your ability to take a deep breath
Avoid eating a large meal shortly before your test
Avoid smoking for at least an hour beforehand
Follow any medication instructions provided by our team, since certain medications may need to be paused before testing

While spirometry is not dangerous, the deep, forceful breathing involved can occasionally cause temporary lightheadedness, which resolves quickly after the test.

Lung Testing & Insurance Coverage

Spirometry is a standard diagnostic tool and is covered by most major health insurance plans, including many Medicare and Medicaid plans. Coverage can vary based on your specific plan and deductible. Our team is happy to help verify your benefits before your visit. Call us at 478-216-1290 with any insurance questions.

Why Choose Langford Allergy for Lung Testing?

Board-certified allergists with extensive experience diagnosing asthma and other respiratory conditions
A kid-friendly testing approach that makes spirometry easy for patients of all ages
Same-day results in most cases
Testing that’s more than 90% accurate in detecting asthma
Convenient locations serving patients throughout Middle Georgia
A team that looks beyond a single test to build a complete picture of your respiratory health

Frequently Asked Questions About Lung Testing and Spirometry

How accurate is spirometry for diagnosing asthma?

Spirometry is more than 90% accurate in detecting asthma, making it one of the most reliable non-invasive tools for confirming or ruling out an asthma diagnosis.

Is a lung test painful?

No, lung testing like spirometry is a painless, non-invasive breathing test. It requires effort and deep breathing, which can occasionally feel tiring, but it does not involve any needles or discomfort.

How long does a lung test take?

Most spirometry appointments take about 30 minutes, including time for multiple breathing attempts to ensure accurate results.

Can children take a spirometry test?

Yes. Spirometry can typically be performed by patients of nearly any age, including children as young as three or four. Our office uses a game-like, computer-screen format to help younger patients complete the test comfortably.

Do I need to stop taking my medications before a lung test?

Some medications, particularly certain asthma inhalers, may need to be paused before a spirometry test. Our team will provide specific instructions ahead of your appointment based on your current medications.

Will I get my results the same day?

In most cases, yes, you will know the results of your spirometry test the same day. Our allergists will review and discuss your spirometry results with you during your visit so you’ll know your next steps and best treatment options.

Is lung testing covered by insurance?

Spirometry and other lung testing are typically covered by most major health insurance plans, including many Medicare and Medicaid plans. Our team can help verify your specific benefits before your appointment.

Take the First Step Toward Understanding Your Breathing

If a chronic cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath is affecting your daily life, a simple lung test can provide clear answers. Our team is ready to help you find relief.

Call 478-216-1290 or Send Us a Message to Schedule Your Consultation and Lung Test.

Serving Patients Throughout Middle Georgia

Langford Allergy has four convenient office locations to serve patients across the region in Macon, Warner Robins, Milledgeville, and Forsyth. Whether you’re searching for allergy shots near you in Bibb County, Houston County, Baldwin County, or Monroe County, our team is close by and ready to help.