Do you sometimes feel like you have trouble breathing? Or has your doctor told you that you need to check the function of your diaphragm? At that time, you may be asked to do a 'sniff test'. So, let's talk about this simply and precisely, shall we?
What exactly is a sniff test?
Simply put, this is an X-ray test. To be more precise, it is also called a chest fluoroscopy . This test looks at how well your diaphragm , the large muscle between your chest and stomach that helps you breathe, is working. The X-ray images show how the diaphragm moves when you breathe in and out. This can help determine if the diaphragm is weak or paralyzed.
Why do we need to do a sniff test?
A doctor will often order this test if you have a condition that they think may be affecting the nerves that control your breathing. Consider, for example, situations like these:
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIPD)
- Dermatomyositis
- Guillain–Barré syndrome
- Lambert-Eaton syndrome
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Pompe disease
- Post-polio syndrome
- Spinal cord injury
In addition to these diseases, this test is also used if you have unexplained shortness of breath (dyspnea) , or to check how your diaphragm is moving before or after surgery.
How does this sniff test work?
It's very simple. During the test, an X-ray camera will watch you breathe in and out. They will tell you to do this:
- Breathe slowly and normally.
- Take a deep breath.
- Let all the breath out.
- Breathe in loudly and quickly through your nose (as if you were sniffing something - that's why it's called the 'sniff' test! ).
Now look, if your diaphragm is working properly, when you breathe in, it will pull down, that is, towards your stomach, and flatten. When you breathe out, it will come back up and look like an arch. However, if, when you breathe in, the diaphragm will still go up and look like an arch (elevated), then there may be something wrong with the diaphragm or with the phrenic nerve that helps the diaphragm work.
How do I prepare for this test?
Here's the best part. There's nothing special you need to do to prepare for this sniff test. You just have to be normal. It's really easy, right?
What happens during the test? What can I expect?
Here's what happens when you do a sniff test, or chest fluoroscopy:
- First, a medical assistant will help you stand in front of the X-ray camera. If you have difficulty standing, they will either seat you in a chair or make you lie down on a slightly tilted table. They will put straps around your arms and legs to keep you from slipping, and they will also provide a place for you to rest your feet. Don't worry, this is for your safety.
- Then, they will tell you to breathe in different ways (for example, normally, deeply, exhale, and inhale loudly through your nose). You should try to do exactly as they tell you . This is very important for the accuracy of the results.
- They are taking X-ray pictures throughout this entire test.
There's nothing to be afraid of, this is very simple and painless.
How long does the sniff test take?
This sniff test usually takes about 15 minutes to complete , and it's over sooner than you might think.
Are there any risks to this test? Are there any side effects?
In fact, there are no major side effects from the sniff test. An X-ray does expose you to a very small amount of radiation. But it's very low, like getting a chest X-ray. Your doctor will weigh the benefits of doing this test against the small amount of radiation risk.
So there's nothing to worry about. Doctors are always trying to do what's best for you.
What does a typical sniff test report look like?
The results of the sniff test come back as either 'positive' or 'negative'. Let's see what that is.
- A positive sniff test means that the images show that your diaphragm is elevated when you breathe in. This could mean that part or all of your diaphragm is paralyzed.
- A normal, or negative, sniff test report shows that your diaphragm is working properly, as it should. That is, the diaphragm moves down properly when you breathe.
When will I be able to know the results of this test?
Sometimes, your doctor will be able to tell you the results right away after the test . Or, a radiologist - a doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases using images like X-rays - will look at your images and send the results to your doctor. This can take a few days. Don't worry about that.
If the results are abnormal, what happens next?
Imagine that your sniff test is positive. Your doctor will talk to you and explain how it affects your condition. Sometimes, sniff test results can give 'false positives' . This means that the diaphragm may be elevated during the test, but the nerves may not actually be working. Or they can give 'false negatives' . This means that the diaphragm may appear to be working properly, but there may be something wrong with the nerves.
Therefore, your doctor will take into account not only the results of the sniff test, but also the results of other tests, your symptoms, and everything else you have to decide what to do next. Therefore, don't make decisions based on just one report.
When should I call my doctor?
If you have any questions about this test or its results, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor . Don't be afraid to ask, "Doctor, I don't understand, can you explain that again?" It's your right.
Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)
A sniff test is a quick, noninvasive test that can give your doctor a lot of information about how the nerves and muscles that help you breathe are working.
- This will help you manage any illness or disease you may have.
- This can help identify breathing difficulties or problems with the diaphragm at an early stage , which increases the chances of treatment and control of the disease.
So, don't be afraid to ask questions about why the doctor is doing this test and what the results mean. It's important to stay informed about your health. Having a good relationship with your doctor can go a long way toward helping you feel better.
` Sniff test, chest fluoroscopy, diaphragm, breathing, X-ray examination, neurological diseases, difficulty breathing
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