Treatments & Technology
The Asthma Center's Home Depot Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) lab houses advanced diagnostic tools to measure lung capacity and function, including:
- Spirometry testing—evaluates lung function, specifically the measurement of the volume of air that can be inhaled and exhaled and restriction to air flow.
- Pulmonary plethysmography—measures total lung capacity and assesses for hyperinflation or restriction in lung volumes.
- Methacholine challenge testing—diagnoses airway hyperreactivity using a bronchial challenge test.
- Diffusion capacity—measures ability of lungs to absorb oxygen.
Other comprehensive services offered at the Asthma Center include:
- Allergy testing and immunology evaluation
- Web-based health risk assessment information system
- Specialized physician, pediatric nurse practitioner and respiratory therapist care as well as social work
- Customized care planning
- Communication to primary care physicians for optimal asthma management
- Access to an after-hours, on-call asthma physician
- Inpatient consults
- Education for patient families and school staff
- Coordination with asthma-related wellness initiatives at Children’s