Pulmonary Function Testing in Spokane WA
Occupational Medicine and Testing
To Assess and Maintain the Lung Health of Workers
in Spokane WA, Coeur d’Alene ID, and the Inland PNW
“Shielding Workers from Harm…Protecting Businesses from Risk”
Pulmonary function testing assesses lung health in industrial workers. The tests identify preventable lung diseases and conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and bronchiectasis. As Spokane's leading occupational health clinic, we have a variety of tests to measure worker lung volumes, diffusion capacity, and clear air flow rate.
Understanding the Risks to Lung Health at Industrial Workplaces
A few definitions: "Pulmonary" refers to anything having to do with the lungs, and "Pulmonary testing" measures different lung-related activities to make sure they are working properly. When our lungs only inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, the lungs stay healthy and clean. That said, while the human lungs are strong, they are vulnerable to pollutants, irritants, and other harmful chemicals.
The bad news? Air hazards ranging from toxic dust to chemical fumes are omnipresent across industrial and outdoor worksites. And even in the office, viral illnesses and mold spores can impact lung health. It is the responsibility of the employer to A) keep a job site as safe as possible, B) equip their workers to stay safe, and C) regularly test them throughout their employment.
If workers are:
exposed...
unprotected...
repeatedly...
for long periods of time...
to these dangerous materials and chemicals…
They can develop debilitating lung diseases and conditions,
And the business will be held responsible.
What Makes Guardian Health the Best Choice
For Pulmonary Function Testing
in Spokane and Coeur d'Alene?
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Affordable Costs
Our testing fees are 22% cheaper than local competition.
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Quick Service
Your employees will spend minutes, not hours, before they are back out the door.
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Thorough Testing
We adhere to higher health standards than large corporations to ensure nothing gets missed.
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Welcoming Atmosphere
Coffee, snacks, and no-fuss facility perfect for workers at the end of their shift.
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Personalized Care
Workplace injury treatment with long-term thriving and industry-specific excellence in mind.
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Easy Correspondence
Whether phone or email, we’ll get back to you by the end of the day.
Common Lung Diseases and Conditions in Industrial Workers
Industrial workers are constantly exposed to harmful materials. As a result, the are susceptible to some of the most common lung conditions and diseases:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD is a term for a group of lung diseases. These are acquired through exposure to harmful substances and get worse over time. It includes the following:
Chronic Bronchitis: Chronic bronchitis is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tube due to the destruction of cilia in the airways. The lungs respond by producing phlegm, which in turn clogs the lung. As a result, the individual experiences weariness, excessive mucus production, wheezing, and will have a hard time breathing normally.
Emphysema: Emphysema is a progressive lung disease that causes damage to the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs. It traps air in the lungs and prevents carbon dioxide from being exhaled, as well as prevents the lungs from supplying enough oxygen to the blood. One common visible symptom for someone with Emphysema is the appearance of being barrel chested. They will also experience shortness of breath and needing to take more deeper breathes than is normal for someone of a similar age.
Asthma: Asthma is a chronic condition that impacts the airways (tubes) of your lungs. While an individual has asthma for life, it can be controlled with over the counter medication and devices such as inhalers. However, airborne materials on a worksite inflame the lungs, causing them to contract and narrow, making breathing difficult.
Bronchiectasis: Bronchiectasis is a condition characterized by the widening and thickening of the bronchial tubes. Mucus is important for lungs for work properly, but with bronchiectasis the lungs struggle to clear it out, resulting in excessive buildup. This in turn leads to infection. Symptoms include heavy coughing up odorous mucus and pus.
We’re centrally located between Spokane and CDA, right off I-90.
Workers never need to worry about stopping by at the wrong time; we have snacks and beverages, an excellent vacuum for dusty boots, and plenty of parking for large trucks!
Our Types of Pulmonary Function Testing in Spokane
As a one of the foremost occupational medicine centers in Spokane, we are proud to offer a range of pulmonary function tests to assess lung health in industrial workers. Some of the commonly performed pulmonary function tests include:
Spirometry: Spirometry is a basic pulmonary function test that measures how much air you can inhale and exhale, as well as how quickly you can move air in and out of your lungs. It assesses lung volumes, airflow obstruction, and the presence of any respiratory conditions.
Lung Volumes: Lung volume tests measure the total volume of air in the lungs, including the amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled after a maximal inhalation. These tests help evaluate lung capacity and identify abnormalities in lung function.
Diffusion Capacity: Diffusion capacity tests evaluate the lungs' ability to transfer gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, between the air sacs and the bloodstream. This test measures how efficiently oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream and how well carbon dioxide is eliminated.
Guardian Health ensures that these pulmonary function tests are performed by trained professionals. The results of these tests are interpreted by pulmonologists, who provide accurate diagnoses and recommend appropriate treatment plans based on the individual's lung function.
Contact Us
If you are interested in upgrading your occupational health coverage, please fill out our contact form and we will get back to you before the end of the business day.
If you have immediate questions, feel free to call Erin, our office manager, at (509) 402-2880.
The Importance of Pulmonary Function Testing for Workers
By detecting lung diseases at an early stage, industrial workers can receive timely medical intervention and appropriate treatment. In short, regular pulmonary function can save you a lot of pain and a lot of money.
It will detect early signs of lung disease, allowing you to make important changes to protect yourself. With such information, healthcare providers can organize personalized treatment plans for industrial workers.
It is also used to monitor the progression of existing lung conditions, so you know whether your workplace is keeping you safe or not. Certain results will prompt healthcare professionals to recommend workplace modification and interventions to further reduce harmful lung exposure. .
Frequently Asked Questions
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Pulmonary function testing is a diagnostic procedure that assesses lung function and helps diagnose various respiratory conditions. It involves a series of non-invasive tests to measure lung volumes, airflow, and gas exchange in the lungs.
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Pulmonary function testing is recommended for individuals who may be at a higher risk of lung diseases, industry workers regularly exposed to pollutants and irritants (or experiencing respiratory symptoms, such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, or wheezing), and those experiencing respiratory symptoms.
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The frequency of pulmonary function testing for industrial workers may vary based on individual factors and occupational hazards. It is recommended to consult with your HR representative or healthcare provider. If there is a family history of lung diseases or respiratory conditions, it may be necessary to undergo pulmonary function testing more frequently.
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While pulmonary function testing is a valuable diagnostic tool, it may not detect all types of lung diseases. Some lung diseases, such as lung cancer or certain respiratory infections, may require additional diagnostic tests.
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Depending on your condition, your healthcare provider may advise you to temporarily stop certain medications, such as bronchodilators, before the test. It is important to follow these instructions to ensure accurate results.
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To schedule a pulmonary function test with Guardian Health in Spokane, you can follow these steps:
1) Contact Guardian Health: Reach out to Guardian Health through their website or directly via phone or email.
2) Provide Necessary Information: Provide your personal information, including your name, contact details, and any relevant medical history or symptoms.
3) Schedule an Aopointment: Coordinate with the healthcare provider to schedule a convenient date and time for your pulmonary function test.
4) Confirmation: Guardian Health will provide you with confirmation of your appointment details, including the location and any specific instructions.
Booking your appointment in advance will ensure that you receive the necessary care in a timely manner.
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Whether you are testing spirometry, lung volumes, or diffusion capacity, it should take only 15-30 minutes. We pride ourselves in getting workers in and out as fast as possible, so you should not expect to wait prior to your test any more than 10 minutes.
Phone Hours
Monday — Friday 7:00am — 5:00pm
Clinic Hours
Monday 7:00-3:30 (Medical Examiner 7:00-12:00)
Tuesday 7:00-5:30 (Medical Examiner 12:00-5:30)
Wednesday 7:00-3:30 (Medical Examiner 7:00-12:00)
Thursday 7:00-5:30 (Medical Examiner 12:00-5:30)
Friday 7:00-3:30 (Medical Examiner 7:00-3:30)
DOT Exams - walk-ins during Medical Examiner hours (as available)
DOT Urine Drug Screens are available 7am-3pm M-F
Non DOT Urine Drug Screens are available 7am to closing M-F
HOLIDAYS - Closed Thanksgiving, reduced hours on Friday After. Closed Christmas Day, Closed New Years Day
Choose Guardian Health
By offering various types of tests like those provided by Guardian Health, workers can proactively monitor their respiratory well-being. Whether it's detecting early signs of lung diseases or monitoring existing conditions, pulmonary function testing protects businesses and ensures a healthy workforce.
If you're an industrial worker or concerned about your lung health, scheduling a pulmonary function test with Guardian Health to make sure you can breathe easily for years to come. If you are an employer, can provide valuable insights and promote a safer working environment and protect your business from costly liability.
Fast Service…
Thorough Examinations…
Respectful Help…
Easy Going Interactions.
Guardian Health is your affordable, reliable partner for testing and monitoring the health of employees. We’ll help you minimize risk, avoid lawsuits, and keep a strong workforce while we help workers avoid disability and maintain healthy bodies.