Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are noninvasive tests that show how well the lungs are working. This includes how well you’re able to breathe and how effective your lungs are able to bring oxygen to the rest of your body.
PFTs are also known as lung function tests.
Why might I need pulmonary function tests?
Your pulmonologist will order these tests, if you have a condition that is affecting how your lungs work and to diagnose you with a health problem such as:
- Allergies
- Respiratory infections
- Trouble breathing from injury to the chest or a recent surgery
- Chronic lung conditions, such as asthma, bronchiectasis, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis
- Asbestosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers
- Restrictive airway problems from scoliosis, tumors, or inflammation or scarring of the lungs
- Sarcoidosis, a disease that causes lumps of inflammatory cells around organs, such as the liver, lungs, and spleen
- Scleroderma, a disease that causes thickening and hardening of connective tissue
Pulmonary Function Tests include…
Spirometry - Your PFTs may include spirometry, which measures the amount of air you breathe in and out.
Plethysmography test - A plethysmography test measures the volume of gas in your lungs, known as lung volume. Your doctor can learn about your lung volume by measuring the pressure in the booth.
Diffusion capacity test - This test evaluates how well the small air sacks inside the lungs, called alveoli, work. For this part of a pulmonary function test, you will be asked to breathe in certain gases such as oxygen, helium, or carbon dioxide.
What are the risks of pulmonary function tests?
PFTs are usually safe for most people. A PFT can cause problems if:
- you’ve recently had a heart attack
- you’ve recently had eye surgery
- you’ve recently had chest surgery
- you’ve recently had abdominal surgery
- you have a severe respiratory infection
- you have unstable heart disease
If you feel lightheaded, tell your doctor. If you have asthma, the test may cause you to have an asthma attack.
Request Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) in Ahmedabad
Consult Dr. Pradip Dabhi - Consultant Pulmonologist in Ahmedabad. We constantly stress the importance of screening tests in preserving the health of your lungs.