Special Procedures

Pulmonary Function Test

A Pulmonary Function Test, also known as PFT, measures the volume and speed at which you exhale the air out of your lungs.  The information obtained can be useful in assessing lung health, aiding in diagnoses, and creating treatment plans.

 

For this test, the patient forefully exhales a series of breaths into a mouthpice that is attached to a recording device (spirometer).  Measurements are taken both before and affter the use of a bronchodilator inhaler.  The results help assess the  severity of a patients' asthma and the effectiveness of medication for treatment.  Since the test involves deep and rapid breathing, some patients may experience temporary lightheadedness.  We also ask that you refrain from using your mantainance inhaler on the morning of your appointment.  If you are unable to do so, that is okay.

 

Nitric Oxide 

The Nitric Oxide Test,  also known as FeNO, is an innovative test that measures the amount of nitric oxide a patient exhales when they breathe.

 

The patient blows into a mouthpiece that is attached to a sensor.  The resulting number is an indication of how much inflammation there is within the lung tissue.  If possible, we ask that patients refrain from eating, drinking, or using mouthwash for at least 1 hour prior to the test due to possible interference.

 

Rhinoscopy

A Rhinoscopy, also known as a nasal endoscopy, is a quick an easy procedure used to examine inside of a patients' nose.  The ability to view the affected anatomy is an invaluable tool when it comes to correct diagnoses.

After the patient is thoroughly numbed, a thin, flexible, fiberoptic insrument (rhinoscope) is gently passed through the nasal passage.  The physician can then visualize possible inflammation, polyps, septal deviation, and more.

 

Oral Food Challenge

The Oral Food Challenge, also known as the Open Food Challange, is a common procedure often done with children that have had known allergies to specific foods.  Once it's believed that a child has grown out of a certain food allergy, the reintroduction process can sometimes be anxiety-inducing.  The procedure gives parents and their children a safe way to begin this in a controlled manner and medical environment. 

During the Oral Food Challenge, graduated amounts of the food in question are eaten by the patient on an incrementally-timed schedule.  The patient, meanwhile, stays in the office for medical observation to watch for any possible local or systemic reactions.

 

Food Patch Testing

Food Patch Testing is used to evaluate an allergic condition called Eosinophilic Esophagitis.  Sufferers experience inflammation of the esophagus when they are exposed to particular foods.

The test is performed by placing small patches of allergens on a patients' skin.  The patches are left in place for 48 hours before being removed.  The area is then examined by the physician to look for symptoms of inflammation.