Nasal Allergy, Asthma and Lung Function Testing

If you have a runny or stuffy nose much of the time it may be nasal allergy or allergic rhinitis. Nasal allergy occurs when your immune system overreacts to particles in the air that you breathe. Your immune system attacks these particles in your body and this may cause you to have a runny nose  If you sneeze and have a runny or stuffy nose during the spring, summer or fall you may have seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever. 

Some people who suffer from allergic rhinitis also have asthma.  If you have shortness of breath with allergy symptoms, a simple lung function (spirometry) test may indicate whether you also have asthma.

Lung Function Testing (Spirometry)

Spirometry is a simple test that measures how much (volume) and how fast (flow) you can move air into and out of your lungs. This test tells your doctor how healthy your lungs are, and it can also help find lung damage before it is untreatable. Spirometry can help your doctor decide why you have difficulty breathing, a nagging cough or get many breathing-related infections. These can be symptoms of lung disease, so don’t ignore them, call about a spirometry test today.

When to have spirometry

Lung experts at National Jewish Health recommend that all adults have spirometry testing during their routine physical exam.  Spirometry is also recommended for current and former smokers and people who have been exposed to chemicals or irritants at work or home.

Receive a free spirometry test at one of our events in the Denver area.

Your spirometry results

The technician performing your spirometry test will tell you if your results are normal or abnormal.  If you have abnormal results, you need to talk with your doctor. Your doctor may order more tests to find why your lungs are not functioning properly.

Learn answers to frequently asked questions about nasal allergy or allergic rhinitis .