What we do
The Department of Respiratory and Sleep Physiology offer a range of services including breathing tests, exercise tests, sleep studies, as well as treatment follow up clinics. We are located at Chest Clinic (Reception B), Area 1, at Blackpool Victoria Hospital Outpatient Department.
Lung Function tests (otherwise known as Pulmonary Function tests) are used to see how well you can breathe in and out, and are helpful in diagnosing any lung conditions you may have. They involve blowing into a mouthpiece while wearing a nose peg.
If you are asked to attend for some breathing tests:
- Wear comfortable and loose fitting clothing
- Wherever possible, try to avoid taking your relief inhalers (e.g. Salbutamol/Terbutaline) four hours prior to testing (brown inhalers and tablets are fine to take).
- Preferably avoid:
- Smoking 24 hours prior to the test
- Consuming alcohol for four hours before the test
- Vigorous exercise 30 minutes prior to the test
- Eating a substantial meal two hours prior to the test
- Please bring any GTN sprays with you to the appointment (if applicable).
Depending upon what tests have been requested, the appointment may take between 15 minutes and one hour. Results will not be given to you at your appointment, but will be sent back to your referring Doctor or Consultant.
Overnight Sleep Studies (or Respiratory Channel Studies) are used to diagnose Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, and investigate what is happening to your airways while you are asleep. These involve having some equipment attached to yourself at the appointment, and sleeping in this equipment at home at night.
The equipment requires you to wear a small monitor located in the centre of your chest, with two bands; one located around your chest, the other around your abdomen. You will also be asked to attach a finger probe on one finger, and a nasal flow cannula under your nose before going to bed. The equipment can be removed the following morning before being returned to the Chest Clinic (Reception B) before 11am.
If you are asked to attend for a sleep investigation:
- Wear a T-shirt that you are happy to sleep in (the equipment will be set up on top of this)
- Remove any nail varnish or false/ acrylic nails from one finger (there will be a monitor on that finger)
- Bear in mind that the equipment will be in place from your appointment time onward and may restrict your activities for the rest of the day of your test
- Remember, the equipment needs returning before 11am the following day.
The appointment will take between 30 to 45 minutes. There is no appointment needed when dropping off the equipment the following day. It may take up to four weeks for the results to be analysed and reviewed by the Consultant when necessary, at which point yourself and your GP will receive a letter in the post.
For investigations into other sleep disorders, you would a need a referral to the Respiratory and Sleep Consultant which can be done by your GP.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a treatment recommended to treat patients with moderate to severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). It involves wearing a mask while you sleep, which is connected to a pump that will pass room air into your nose at a slight pressure. The slightly increased air pressure will keep your airways open when you are breathing at night, and so prevents the blockage of air flow (pictured).
If you are asked to attend for a CPAP machine loan:
- A Physiologist will explain your diagnosis to you and answer any questions you may have
- You will be loaned a CPAP Machine and directed on how to use it.
The appointment will last for approximately 45 minutes. A follow-up appointment will be provided for four weeks following the initial set up.
