Respiratory function testing
Inhalative skin test
Paediatric pulmonary medicine at the Korda Clinic in Szeged
What does paediatric lung medicine do?
At our paediatric respiratory clinic, we treat not only infections of the lungs, but also of the entire respiratory system, chronic or recurrent, even slowly prolonged, coughing, choking, dyspnoea, asthma attacks.
When should you see a paediatric lung specialist?
Prolonged cough in young children is mainly a diagnostic problem, which may be caused by infections, asthma or reflux.
The most common diseases in older children are asthma and hay fever.
About the treatments
Respiratory function testing
During the respiratory function test, the paediatric pulmonologist at Korda Clinic measures the volume of the lungs, the quality of breathing, and the status of gas exchange and circulation. This comprehensive mapping of lung function is necessary when symptoms suggest asthma, chronic lung disease or are required to follow up a known disease. Respiratory function testing is available at the paediatric lung specialist clinic at Korda Clinic.
When should you have a respiratory function test?
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath,
- chest pressure,
- you look like asthma,
- acute coughing fits, choking attacks
a respiratory function test is always worthwhile.
Since different respiratory disorders of different origins present different - from normal - curves on examination, this assessment is a great help in identifying many diseases and planning further treatment.
The great advantage of a respiratory function test is that it can detect abnormalities before they appear, so that appropriate treatment can be started as soon as possible.
What and how will happen during the respiratory function test?
During a respiratory function test, the paediatric pulmonologist uses a spirometer. The test is performed in a sitting or standing position with the nose pinched. A disposable mouthpiece is fitted to the spirometer and the patient is asked to breathe through it as requested by the paediatric lung specialist.
The spirometer is used to measure the volume of the lungs of the sick child, the quality of his or her breathing, and the status and speed of gas exchange and circulation. The instrument transmits the data to a computer, which compares it with the results of a person of the same age, sex, weight and height and evaluates them. The results give the paediatric lung specialist a comprehensive picture of the child's lung condition and, with the right treatment, can prevent the development of more serious diseases.
Inhalative skin test
During the period from February to the onset of autumn, annoying allergy symptoms can make life miserable not only for adults but also for children. Then, as if the pollen season wasn't enough, the start of the heating season creates ideal conditions for dust mites in the home.
When should we suspect an allergy?
- frequent nasal congestion, runny nose,
- sneezing,
- may cause watering, itching and redness of the eyes, and
- for sore throats.
Moderately severe and severe cases in children can cause:
- sleep problems,
- fatigue, reduced concentration and
- a reduction in performance.
Prolonged upper respiratory illness, itchy eyes and nose, morning sneezing as early as preschool age are all signs of classic allergic airways disease.
In such cases, it is worth making an appointment to see a paediatric respiratory specialist at the Korda Clinic for an inhalation skin test to confirm the suspected allergic condition.
Depending on the results of the inhalation test, our paediatric respiratory specialist will draw up a treatment plan.
What and how will happen during the skin test?
The test involves applying factory-purified allergens to the child's forearm. The allergens react with the patient's body through the skin, resulting in reddening and swelling of the skin in the area, as in the case of a mosquito bite. The more sensitive the patient is to allergens, the more severe the skin symptoms.
After applying the allergen, wait 15 minutes for symptoms to develop.
How to prepare for the skin test?
- Fasting is not necessary,
- you should not take antihistamines before the test,
- can be done at any time of the day,
- no referral is needed to take the test.
What can be tested with an inhalation skin test?
- pollen count
- animal hair and dander
- Food
You do not need a referral to have the tests done at Korda Clinic, but you do need to book an appointment by telephone.
What will happen and how?
What should you bring with you?
It is important that you bring your previous test results and a list of your regular medication with you when you come for a pulmonary examination.
What will happen during the investigation?
After taking a medical history, performing physical and allergy examinations, skin tests and respiratory function tests, our specialist will provide you with detailed information about the nature of your condition and the therapeutic options available. Regular check-ups are also very important, during which symptoms since the previous examination, the treatment and any problems encountered are discussed. Properly planned medication and lifestyle will allow the patient to live a life free of restrictions.