Name of the Procedure:

Pulmonary stress testing; simple (6-minute walk test, prolonged exercise test for bronchospasm with pre- and post-spirometry and oximetry)

Summary

Pulmonary stress testing assesses how well your lungs and heart work during physical activity. It typically involves either walking for six minutes or exercising for an extended period while monitoring your breathing and oxygen levels before and after the test.

Purpose

Pulmonary stress testing helps diagnose and assess the severity of lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma. It aims to evaluate how your lungs perform during exertion and to identify any exercise-induced bronchospasm.

Indications

• Chronic cough or shortness of breath.
• Known lung diseases like asthma or COPD.
• Unexplained fatigue or decreased exercise tolerance.
• Preoperative evaluation before lung surgery.

Preparation

• Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
• Avoid heavy meals and caffeine before the test.
• Follow instructions on medication adjustments, if any.
• Baseline spirometry and oximetry may be conducted beforehand.

Procedure Description

1. 6-Minute Walk Test:
   1. The patient walks back and forth along a marked pathway for six minutes.
   2. Breathing and oxygen levels are monitored throughout.
2. Prolonged Exercise Test for Bronchospasm:
   1. The patient engages in a longer-duration exercise, like treadmill walking or cycling.
   2. Spirometry and oximetry readings are taken before, during, and after the test.
3. The patient's heart rate, blood pressure, and perceived exertion may also be monitored.
4. The test stops if the patient experiences severe discomfort or significant changes in vital signs.

Duration

Typically, the test lasts between 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the specific type of test and patient condition.

Setting

Pulmonary stress testing is usually performed in a hospital respiratory lab or an outpatient clinic.

Personnel

• Respiratory therapists or pulmonary function technologists.
• A physician, often a pulmonologist, may be present or consulted.

Risks and Complications

• Common: Shortness of breath, fatigue, mild discomfort.
• Rare: Severe dyspnea (difficulty breathing), chest pain, light-headedness, or a significant drop in oxygen levels.
• Complications are managed by stopping the test immediately and providing necessary medical intervention.

Benefits

• Accurate assessment of lung function during physical stress.
• Diagnosis and quantification of exercise-induced bronchospasm.
• Helps in planning treatment and managing lung conditions more effectively.
• Patients may notice improvements and adjustments in their treatment plans shortly after testing.

Recovery

• Minimal post-procedure care is required.
• Patients may resume normal activity shortly after the test.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss results.

Alternatives

• Resting spirometry and pulse oximetry: Measures lung function without stress.
• Imaging tests (e.g., chest X-ray, CT scan): Provides structural information but not functional data.
• Methacholine challenge test: Provokes bronchospasm to assess asthma but involves medication and is not exercise-based.

Patient Experience

Patients may feel tired but should not experience significant pain during or after the test. Pain relief or comfort measures, such as rest and hydration, are generally sufficient for recovery.