Pulmonary Function Testing
Lahey Clinic maintains two state-of-the-art pulmonary function testing (PFT) laboratories-one in Burlington, Mass., and one in Peabody, Mass. – in addition to a bronchoscopy suite in Burlington. All testing is performed by certified personnel.
Full exercise physiology testing is available in addition to standard PFT. All tests are reviewed by board-certified Lahey pulmonologists.
We also offer a flight clinic that assesses and treats people with lung disease who might be at risk for air travel.
Evaluation of Abnormal Chest X-Rays
Imaging by chest X-ray allows for the evaluation of conditions affecting the lungs, heart and chest wall. Patients experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain and a serious or chronic cough frequently undergo a chest X-ray as part of their initial evaluation process.
When radiologists find abnormalities while interpreting X-ray results, they document their findings for the patient's primary care physician, and often, make referrals to a pulmonologist for follow-up specialty care. Examples of medical conditions that may be suspected and/or diagnosed through an abnormal chest X-ray include pneumonia, lung cancer, emphysema and congestive heart failure.
While chest X-ray is highly effective for diagnosing conditions of the lungs, heart and chest wall, it does, however, have its limitations. For example, small and inconspicuous lung cancers may go undetected on a chest X-ray, and yet, be visible through a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest. Due to such limitations of X-ray technology, additional imaging studies may be required in some cases to make a definitive diagnosis.
Physicians in Lahey's Department of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine routinely evaluate patients whose chest X-rays have produced abnormal results. To schedule a consultation with a Lahey pulmonologist, please call 781-744-8480.
