Patient undergoing pulmonary function testing at TriCity Lung & Sleep in Bay City, Michigan

PFT and Sleep Testing in Bay City, MI – When Do You Need One?

houseTriCity Lung & Sleep Dec 15, 2025

PFT and Sleep Testing in Bay City, MI – When Do You Need One?

You're short of breath climbing stairs. Or maybe you wake up exhausted every morning, no matter how long you slept. Your doctor mentions "pulmonary function testing" or a "sleep study," but you're not sure what that means or whether you really need one.

If you're experiencing breathing problems, chronic fatigue, or unexplained respiratory symptoms, PFT testing and sleep testing in Bay City, MI can provide the answers you need to breathe easier and sleep better.

At TriCity Lung & Sleep, we help patients across Michigan's Thumb Region understand what's happening with their lungs and sleep—and find real solutions that improve their daily lives.


What Is a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)?

A pulmonary function test (PFT) measures how well your lungs are working. It evaluates lung capacity, airflow, and how efficiently your lungs transfer oxygen into your bloodstream.

PFTs are non-invasive and typically take 30–45 minutes. You'll breathe into a mouthpiece connected to a machine called a spirometer, which records your breathing patterns.

Common Reasons You Might Need a PFT:

  • Persistent cough or wheezing
  • Shortness of breath during normal activities
  • Chest tightness or pain
  • Chronic bronchitis or suspected COPD
  • Asthma diagnosis or monitoring
  • Pre-surgical lung evaluation
  • Occupational exposure to dust, chemicals, or fumes

If you've been struggling with any of these symptoms, a PFT in Bay City, MI can help pinpoint the cause and guide your treatment plan.


When Do You Need Sleep Testing?

Many people dismiss poor sleep as "just stress" or "getting older"—but chronic sleep problems often point to underlying disorders like sleep apnea.

A sleep test (also called a sleep study or polysomnography) monitors your breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, and brain activity while you sleep. It helps diagnose conditions that disrupt your rest and put your health at risk.

Signs You May Need a Sleep Test:

  • Loud, chronic snoring
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Morning headaches or dry mouth
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Trouble concentrating or memory problems
  • High blood pressure or heart disease
  • Restless legs or frequent nighttime movement

At TriCity Lung & Sleep, we offer both home sleep apnea tests (HSAT) and in-lab sleep studies at our accredited sleep center in Bay City.

Learn more about sleep testing options:
👉 Home Sleep Apnea Test in Michigan


Why Choose TriCity Lung & Sleep for Testing in Bay City?

When you're dealing with breathing problems or sleep issues, you need answers fast—and you need a team that understands both the science and the human side of care.

Here's what sets us apart:

🩺 Board-Certified Expertise

Dr. Saad S. Ahmad is a board-certified physician in pulmonary medicine, critical care, and sleep medicine. You're not just getting a test—you're getting an expert interpretation and a personalized treatment plan.

🏥 Accredited Sleep Center

Our Bay City sleep center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, ensuring the highest standards of care and accurate results.

📍 Convenient Thumb Region Locations

We serve patients in Bay City, Caro, and Bad Axe, making it easy to access pulmonary and sleep care close to home.

💡 Comprehensive Follow-Up

Testing is just the beginning. We guide you through treatment options—from CPAP therapy to Inspire therapy to pulmonary rehabilitation—and provide ongoing support every step of the way.


What to Expect During Your Visit

For PFT Testing:

  1. You'll arrive at our Bay City office and meet with our respiratory therapist
  2. You'll breathe into a spirometer following simple instructions
  3. The test measures lung volume, airflow, and gas exchange
  4. Dr. Ahmad reviews your results and discusses next steps

For Sleep Testing:

  1. Home Sleep Test: A small device is sent to your home to monitor your breathing and oxygen overnight
  2. In-Lab Study: You'll spend the night at our comfortable Bay City sleep center while we monitor your sleep in detail
  3. Dr. Ahmad interprets your study and recommends treatment if needed

Both tests are straightforward, and our team makes sure you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process.


Don't Ignore the Warning Signs

Breathing problems and sleep disorders don't just affect your comfort—they impact your long-term health.

Untreated sleep apnea increases your risk of:

  • Heart disease and stroke
  • High blood pressure
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Daytime accidents due to fatigue

Undiagnosed lung conditions can lead to:

  • Progressive lung damage
  • Decreased quality of life
  • Reduced ability to work or stay active

The good news? Early diagnosis changes everything. With the right test and the right treatment plan, you can breathe easier, sleep better, and feel like yourself again.

👉 Sleep Apnea and Heart Health: What You Need to Know


Schedule Your PFT or Sleep Test in Bay City Today

If you're experiencing breathing problems, chronic fatigue, or sleep disturbances, don't wait for things to get worse.

TriCity Lung & Sleep is here to help you find answers and take control of your health.

📍 Bay City, Michigan – Serving the Thumb Region
🌐 Visit our Sleep Services page or Pulmonary Services page
📞 Call today to schedule your PFT or sleep test
📧 Contact us online to request a consultation

Whether you need a pulmonary function test in Bay City, MI or a sleep study near you, our team is ready to guide you toward better breathing and better rest.