Author Archives: Jackie Aim

DLco, gas transfer – during the test

First the machine will be set up for the test to make sure it is working properly. The physiologist will explain what you need to do and you can ask any questions.

The test starts with you breathing normally into the machine.

You will be asked to take a bigger breath in then breathe out as far as possible.

Finally a full breath in and hold this breath for 10 seconds before breathing out as far a possible.

This test is repeated at least twice with a 4 minute gap to allow the gas mixture to clear out of the machine.The maximum number of tests is 5.

If you would like to see a video what this test involves, visit the Association for Respiratory Technology and Physiology website.

DLco gas transfer test, (Diffusion in lungs using Carbon Monoxide)

This test measures how the lung surface works and how well the oxygen you breathe in goes through to the blood. It involves breathing in a specific mixture of gases.  The gases used are all found in normal room air.

They include Methane  and Carbon monoxide but in very, very small concentrations. Although carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas in large quantities, the amounts used for this test are very small and used in controlled conditions so you are safe.  Carbon monoxide, is the same size and shape as oxygen and attaches to red blood cells faster than oxygen. So carbon monoxide can indirectly measuring how well oxygen goes through the lung surface.

More information

DLco gas transfer test

DLco gas transfer test

The Spirometry test

This test will be similar to the simple breathing tests carried out by GP or practice nurse. In Hospital, the physiologist will use a much bigger machine, but the test is very simple and straight forward.

  • Your height and weight are accurately measured.
  • You sit upright with feet on floor on a chair with arms.
  • You breathe in fully and then BLAST!!! out as hard and as fast as possible for as long as possible.
  • You then breathe in as fully and deeply as possible.
  • This test will be repeated at least 3 times, but possibly up to 8 times to get accurate reliable results. This then produces a graph called the Flow-volumes loop.

The following film shows a person doing a spirometry test.

[jwplayer mediaid=”880″ player=”3″]
(Running time: 1 minute 41 seconds, video provided by NHS Lothian Respiratory MCN)

Hospital tests

preview Description: A mature woman patient consulting a GP in the surgery consulting room.

© Crown Copyright 2009

Your GP may refer you to a respiratory consultant for more detailed tests.

Pulmonary function tests
Pulmonary function tests are breathing tests carried out in the hospital after being seen by the Respiratory Consultant. You may have had some basic tests at your GP surgery. These hospital tests give more in depth information about your lungs and how they are working. They are usually done by a specialist respiratory physiologist who will be with you during the tests. You may have one or more of these tests.

  • Spirometry –  To get readings of how your lungs are working. You will usually do this test at least three times to get an accurate result.
  • DLco, gas transfer tests – This test shows how the gases are getting from your lung in to your blood stream. It involves measuring the partial pressure difference between very small amounts of carbon monoxide breathed in and out while using this machine.
  • Lung Volume – Either nitrogen washout or body Plethysmography. These tests measure the total lung capacity.
  • Reversibility studies – These tests check if your symptoms can be reversed with inhaled treatment.
  • Challenge tests – These tests are done to assess the irritability of the tubes of the lungs caused by either exercise or other aerosol type irritant. This may then involve either a treadmill or static bike, or using inhaled compounds. You will be closely monitored and supervised when doing these tests.

 

Asthma triggers

An asthma trigger is anything you are not allergic to but which irritates the airways and starts off asthma symptoms.

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Things that may trigger asthma include:

  • Exercise – it is essential to keep active but you may need to take your inhalers a few minutes before you start to exercise. Warm up slowly and remember to cool down after exercise. Keep your inhalers with you and take water with you. If you are still experiencing symptoms when you exercise, see your doctor or asthma nurse for advice.
    Exercise is a great way to help you manage your asthma but if your asthma is triggered by exercise see your doctor or asthma nurse for advice on how to exercise safely.
  • Emotions – A fit of laughter can trigger asthma. 69% of people with asthma find stress can trigger an attack. Always carry your inhaler with you so you get get relief quickly.
  • Weather – Thunderstorms can release large quantities of pollen into the air and trigger asthma attacks. Extremes of hot and cold air can also be a trigger.
    Plan ahead when the weather is bad. Keep a track of weather report and pollen levels. There are a number of smart phone apps to track pollen and weather in your area. Contact Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS) advice line If you have a mobile phone you can sign up to our free Air Quality and Weather Text Alert Service.
    To find out more please call the Advice Line Nurses on 0845 077 6000
  • Cigarette smoke – 82% of people with asthma find cigarette smoke triggers their asthma. It can irritate the lungs and increase the risk of an asthma attack and may permanently damage the airways. You increase the risk of asthma persisting if you smoke as a teenager. Cigarette smoking is associated with persistent asthma (Currie et al, 2005).
    The benefits of stopping smoking e start right away. Not just health benefits but think of the amount of cash you will save. Avoiding others who smoke is not only good for your health but it prevents your clothes and hair being contaminated by others smoke.
  • Moulds – Moulds release tiny spores into the air which can be a trigger. Mould spores are found in any damp place e.g. woody areas, bathrooms, kitchens and even piles of damp clothes.
    ry to dry clothes outdoors when you can. If you do have to dry clothes indoors, keep to one room with the door closed and windows opened to reduce moisture build up which mould spores thrive on.
  • Hormones –  women find their asthma can be affected around puberty, before their periods, during pregnancy and during the menopause.
    A way to check if your hormones and menstrual cycle are affecting your asthma symptoms is to keep a detailed diary including your peak flow readings. Discuss this with your doctor or asthma nurse. If you have difficult to control asthma you may need hormone replacement to control symptoms.
  • Strong odours – Strong smells such as  perfumes and  air fresheners,, and sprays like deodorants may also be a trigger.
    Try using non perfumed cleaning products or deodorants in roll on dispensers.
  • Air pollution – Pollution such as exhaust fumes, and industrial chemicals may also be a trigger. There are free air pollution alerts from Know and Respond Scotland
  • Food – A western diet can be a risk factor for developing asthma and although no special diet is needed some people find that some foods also trigger their asthma e.g. cow’s milk, eggs, fish, nuts and some food colourings and preservatives.
    Most people with asthma should try to follow a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables which contain vitamins and nutrients. This helps your immune system to fight off infections.

If you live in Scotland and  would like to receive free text alerts for air quality or weather text WEATHER to 66777

Further information about asthma

Online Forums

 

Support Groups

  • Asthma + Lung UK: Breathe Easy Groups
  • Breathe easy North west Glasgow Meeting First Wednesday of the month, from 2-4pm
    Location Milngavie Community Centre,
    9 Allander Road,
    Milngavie,
    Glasgow, G62 8PN
  • Glasgow Asthma Support Peers (GASP) – Offers support to people living in Glasgow and the West of Scotland. Meet on first Friday in every month 1pm- 3pm. for a social gathering at Hillhead Sports Club, 32 Hughenden Road, Glasgow, G12 9XP. Twice a year GASP host educational, health promotion events in March and September. These events have guest speakers and presentations aimed at people with asthma, family members and professional bodies. If you are interested in joining contact GASP by telephone: 07928 890207, email: [email protected], or visit GASP on Facebook
  • Inverclyde Asthmatic Caring Group – Your Voice, Inverclyde Community Care Forum, 12 Clyde Square, Greenock PA15 1NB
  • Contact CHSS Advice Line to find out about support and groups in your own area.
    Telephone: 0808 801 0899
    Email: [email protected]
    Text: NURSE to 66777 (standard rates apply)
    Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9am – 4pm
  • update link to sign: https://www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/quality-improvement/guidelines/asthma/ Also add  change link to leafets to Asthma+Lung Uk Health Advice Resources : https://shop.asthmaandlung.org.uk/collections/health-advice-resources

Guidelines and Links

How much do you know about asthma?

Q. Which of the following statements are true or false. Select true or false for each one.
1.
Asthma is common
 

2.
Asthma causes swelling and narrowing in the airways
 

3.
Asthma is curable
 

4.
You can catch asthma from someone else
 

5.
Asthma is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors
 

6.
Exercise is good for asthma
 

7.
You only get asthma as a child.
 

8.
Only boys grow out of their asthma
 

9.
Everyone who has asthma will have a wheeze
 

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Famous people who have asthma

These famous people have been very successful in their field despite having asthma. It is inspiring to see
that their asthma has not prevented them from achieving their goals.

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Football:

  • David Beckham
  • Paul Scholes  “My asthma is well controlled so it has never affected my performance.”  (Manchester United & England Footballer)

Cricket:

  • Darren Gough  “Whether it is uniquely English pollen that triggers my asthma attacks, or the cooler, damper air, I don’t know.”

Marathon Runner:

  • Paula Radcliffe- “I don’t really think asthma has affected my career – if anything it’s made me more determined to be successful and reach my maximum potential.” If you learn to manage your asthma and take the correct medication there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be the best.

Olympic Medallists:

  • Rebecca Adlington (Olympic Gold Swimmer)
  • Laura Trott
  • Bradley Wiggins  ‘It does sound quite bad if you are diagnosed with asthma and your natural instinct is to think that’s it. But there is better medicine available now and I am an Olympic champion – the evidence is out there that you can succeed.’

Rugby:

  • Austin Healy “I’ve had asthma since my childhood but I can’t afford to let it affect my performance on the pitch.” (England Rugby International Player)

Daytime TV Presenter:

  • Matt Johnson (This Morning )“I can happily take my inhaler anywhere in front of anyone… Weirdly, when I laugh really hard I get a very tight chest,”

Musicians:

  • Harry Styles (One Direction)
  • Pink

What are the symptoms of asthma?

BreathlessCoughicon_bronchial_sqChest tightness

  • Shortness of Breath
  • Cough
  • Wheeze
    High-pitch, squeaky noise. Listen to an example on YouTube
  • Chest tightness
    This may feel like there is a tight band around or pressing on your chest.

People with asthma might have one or more of these symptoms.
They usually come and go and can change throughout the day.
They can happen at rest or on doing activities and they are sometimes worse at night.
The cause of the symptoms is not always clear but sometimes triggers can be identified

NHS Choices Quiz: Asthma Self-Assessment – Could you have Asthma?

Important

If you recognise any of these symptoms – see your GP or practice nurse.

What happens to the lungs in asthma?

When people with asthma come into contact with something they are allergic to, or something that irritates the lining of their airways (a trigger):

  • The airways become narrowed making it more difficult to breathe.
  • The muscles in the airways tighten, this is know as bronchospasm.
  • The lining of the airways becomes swollen (inflamed) and sticky mucus (phlegm) may be produced.

This leads to asthma symptoms that may vary from person to person.

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