Pulmonary Medicine of Dayton - Ask the Respiratory Therapist

Ask the RT (Respiratory Therapist)

Lacey the registered respiratory therapist, trained to perform pulmonary function testing and keep you updated and informed about managing your respiratory health. Lacey is available to provide patients and their families with support by educating you with the knowledge needed to manage chronic lung disease. Our respiratory therapist is a wealth of information, and we invite you to reach out anytime to ask questions or request information. If she doesn't know the answer, she knows who does!

Click the link to submit your question. Our qualified RT will get back to you within 48 hours. This service is not intended to replace your visits with your doctor. Our goal is to enhance your overall care experience and help you to maintain your independence and the best respiratory health possible.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT use this link to report serious medical problems. If you need to report worsening or new symptoms, contact our office at 937-439-3600 to speak with our triage nurse.

What is a spacer and what medications can I use with it?

A spacer is a tube-shaped chamber. The chamber is designed to hold the medicine, so that coordinating timing is more manageable. The spacer holds the medicine in the chamber allowing you to slow your inhale, creating a smooth airflow that picks up the medicine more effectively. Some literature states you can get up to 70% more medicine with the use of a spacer. Any inhaler that has an aerosolized canister can be used with a spacer. Any inhaler that is a powder CAN NOT be used with a spacer. Make sure to keep your equipment clean to prevent infection.
More information

Is the use of inhalers addictive?

No, inhalers are not addictive. However, overuse can lead to drug resistance over time. Make sure to use your prescribed medicines according to your doctor's orders.

What should I expect for my first time having a pulmonary function test?

When you come in for a pulmonary function test (PFT) expect the testing to take up to an hour. Testing involves performing a series of breaths or maneuvers. A registered respiratory therapist will coach you through each maneuver to obtain measurements that your physician can use to help diagnose disease and develop a plan of care for you. Some of the breaths can be difficult but there will be a licensed professional present to help you navigate the test with ease.

If I am not feeling well, should I still come in for my pulmonary function test?

No. If you are actively sick or running a fever, call in to our office to reschedule, (937) 439-3600. This test should be done when you are feeling at your best baseline. As you become more familiar with the management of your chronic respiratory illness you may find that you can recognize your good days from your bad. We want to see you when you are feeling as good as you can. This may look different for each person, depending on what chronic illness you suffer from and how severe it is. Listening to your body and trying to learn what your "new normal" might be will help you to become more aware of how to manage your chronic illness and help you to recognize symptoms and changes more quickly.

Do I need to stop any medications before my pulmonary function test?

If you take a bronchodilator or inhaled steroid, every 4 hours, hold for at least 4 hours; if you take it every 12 hours hold it for at least 12 hours; if you take it every 24 hours, hold for at least 24 hours. When in doubt, call the office 24 hours prior to testing to verify (937) 439-3600, or visit our pulmonary function testing page for more specific instructions. If you are on continuous oxygen, please wear it in.
If you become short of breath and need your inhalers do not wait to use, just be sure to let the respiratory therapist know.

Is exercise important? I just don't have the energy.

There are many benefits of exercise. The more sedentary you are the less muscle tone you will have, making it harder to do an activity when you wish to. Please check with your doctor to see if he/she has any limitations for you. You may benefit from a pulmonary rehab class. Please click here to get a printable copy of "Exercise for Someone with COPD" by the COPD foundation. Make note to ask your doctor whether you are a candidate for pulmonary rehab at your next visit.

Once I start using oxygen (O2) will I need it forever?

If you have been prescribed oxygen due to a serious illness such as pneumonia, covid 19, or have been on a ventilator recently, as your lungs heal and recover you may be able to come off the oxygen. If you have a chronic illness such as pulmonary fibrosis or emphysema, there is a possibility that the oxygen may be permanent. You should discuss this plan with your physician. Click here for a printable copy of Oxygen Therapy by the COPD foundation.