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Lung Disorders Special Report

Exercise Testing, Measurement of Blood Gases, and Sleep Studies to Help Diagnose Lung Disease

Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Lung Disorders Blood Gases, Sleep Studies and Lung Disease

If you are experiencing symptoms related to a lung disease you will first need to provide a medical history and undergo a physical examination. Your doctor may then recommend other tests that can provide complementary.

  • Exercise Testing
    Exercise testing using a treadmill or stationary bicycle also can be used to evaluate shortness of breath and to determine whether it is caused by a lung problem, heart disease, or deconditioning (being out of shape).

  • Blood Gases
    If the lungs are not functioning properly, the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood (blood gases) may be affected. Blood gases can be measured by taking a sample of blood from an artery.

    Alternatively, pulse oximetry provides a noninvasive way to measure hemoglobin oxygen saturation (the level of oxygen in the blood). In pulse oximetry, a sensor that directs a beam of light through the tissue is placed on the fingertip or earlobe. The sensor monitors oxygen saturation by measuring the amount of light absorbed by oxygenated hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying pigment in red blood cells).

  • Sleep Studies
    Sleep studies (polysomnography) can be used to monitor certain body functions during sleep. Polysomnography involves electrocardiography to monitor heart rate and rhythm; electroencephalography to monitor brain waves; electromyography to monitor muscle activity; pulse oximetry to measure oxygen saturation; and measures of airflow and movements of the chest and abdomen.

These studies can detect the presence, pattern, and severity of sleep-related breathing disorders (such as sleep apnea) and typically are performed in sleep laboratories.

For more information on diagnostic tests to evaluate lung disease, please go to these articles:

  • For more Lung Disorders articles, please visit the Lung Disorders Topic Page


    Posted in Lung Disorders on February 7, 2006
    Reviewed June 2008

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