I blow up balloons when I seem to be more short of breath than usual. It helps to get old oxygen out.

I would tell them you can't do it that should tell them how your breathig is doing!

They should never ask you to not use inhalers I get asked when was the last time I used them and they work out your lung function from there. Find another place that wont put your life in danger.

I have never heard of them asking you to NOT use your inhaler before a PFT exam. Are you sure you're reading the instructions correctly, @A MyCOPDTeam Member? (By the way, happy birthday).

Please double-check with the entity asking you to take the test as there may be some miscommunication.

Social Security / Disability asked me to take the PFT test, and while I have an inhaler that I use if necessary, I rarely use it due to the side effects. I mostly practice biofeedback and deep breathing exercises to avoid using the inhaler as much as possible.

While I'm a big fan of biofeedback techniques, just before taking a PFT test is NOT the time to learn them, in my humble opinion.

Also, when I took my PFT test, they had me take 3 tests just as I was when I arrived, and then 3 more for comparison after using my inhaler.

So, something seems off in your testing preparation instructions, and I would double-check with both your doctor, as well as the person / entity advising you to take the test and NOT use your inhalers. If it flies in the face of your doctor's advice, and/or jeopardizes your quality of life, absolutely push back.

*** Not a doc, but I am a busybody who questions everything, LOL ***

Good luck !

Mentioned Users

A MyCOPDT...

just wondering, have you any paper bags not such a silly question,but if you have, blow into them and inhale that will help