Lung Function Testing

To accurately diagnose and treat pediatric patients with allergy or pulmonary difficulties, the specialists at St. Louis Children's Hospital utilize a fully equipped Pulmonary Function Laboratory to evaluate all aspects of lung function including:

• Assessment of airflow via spirometry with and without bronchodilator therapy
• Lung volume determination via body plethysmography and/or nitrogen washout
• Measurement of oxygenation via diffusion capacity and arterial blood gas measurement
• Muscle strength assessment
• Assessment of airway reactivity elicited via methacholine challenge, cold air inhalation, and/or exercise
• Evaluation of fitness via maximal cardiopulmonary stress testing
• Infant pulmonary function studies to include rapid thoracoabdominal compressions, nitrogen washout lung volumes, single breath occlusion compliance, and response to carbon dioxide inhalation
• Respiratory induction plethysmography