The pediatric exercise challenge is a test that includes spirometry (or the
measurement of lung capacity), lung volumes and spirometry repeated after exercise
and a bronchodilator is given to the patient.
Patients should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled test and check in with
St. Rita's Cardiopulmonary Department. This area is located on the second floor
of the Medical Center to the left of the main elevators.
Prior to the pediatric exercise challenge, patients should know the following:
- Do Not Use the Following Inhalers for at least Four to Six Hours
Before the Test:
- Albuterol
- Proventil
- Ventolin
- Alupent
- Maxair
- Brethaire
- Atrovent
- Combivent
- Do Not Use Serevent or Advair Inhalers for at least 12 Hours
Before the Test. (If you are unable to go this amount of time without your
inhaler, please make a note of the last time you
used it.)
- No Caffeine (Coffee, Cola, Tea or Chocolate) for at least Six
Hours Before the Test
- No Smoking or Alcohol the Day of the Test
- You May Eat a Light Meal Before the Test if You Choose
- Avoid Cold Air Exposure and Exercise if Possible
- Wear Comfortable Clothing and Running Shoes
This test should take about 30 minutes to complete. The patient will be ask
to wear nose clips and breathe through a special mouthpiece as directed by
the technologist. After obtaining baseline measurements, the patient will begin
exercising either on a treadmill or bicycle. The breathing tests will again
be repeated. Finally, an inhaled bronchodilator will be administered and the
breathing tests will be repeated.
A specially trained physician will interpret the test within 24 hours and
send the results to the referring physician.
