Do I need to hold my breath for a physical examination and lung function test

Pulmonary function tests usually do not require holding your breath, but some items may require brief holding of your breath for coordination. Pulmonary function examination is a testing method that evaluates the health status of the lungs through respiratory movements, and the specific operational requirements depend on the examination items.

During routine lung function tests such as lung capacity measurement and ventilation function testing, the examinee only needs to perform natural breathing or forced exhalation according to instructions, without deliberately holding their breath. During the examination, medical staff will guide the examinee to hold the bite device with their mouth, pinch their nose to prevent air leakage, and then complete actions such as calm breathing, rapid inhalation, and continuous exhalation according to the instrument prompts. This type of examination mainly evaluates indicators such as lung volume and airway patency, and the respiratory rhythm throughout the entire process is synchronously guided by the equipment.

A few special items such as diffusion function testing may require a brief breath hold of 5-10 seconds. The examination requires the examinee to hold their breath immediately after inhaling the test gas, allowing the gas to fully exchange in the alveoli. At this time, strict cooperation with the technical personnel is required. For those with severe breathing difficulties or cognitive impairment, they can inform the doctor in advance to adjust the plan. Smoking and vigorous exercise should be avoided 24 hours before the examination. Wearing loose clothing can help relax the respiratory muscles.

After the examination, it is recommended to rest for a while and drink water appropriately to relieve dry mouth. If mild dizziness occurs, it is a normal phenomenon and usually resolves on its own within a few minutes. Long term smoking, chronic cough, or symptoms of chest tightness can be evaluated comprehensively by combining chest CT and other examinations. If the examination results are abnormal, further diagnosis and treatment should be sought from the respiratory department to avoid self judgment.